The Community Shield is almost upon us! While some see it as a glorified friendly, it isn't to me. Plus, we're up against Arsenal. Games against the Gunners are anything but friendly and we could be in for a classic on Sunday.
It's likely to be a close game, though. Many of City's World Cup stars have only just returned to training so match fitness could be an issue. With Tijjani Reijnders all but moved on, new signing Elliot Anderson could be in line to start the game. Mateo Kovacic is likely to be his midfield partner.
With huge furore surrounding the future of Rodri, the former Ballon d'Or winner is unlikely to play a part in this one. He's only just returned to Manchester and hasn't trained yet either. He's also just had back surgery so it's doubtful he'll be fit enough to make an appearance at the Principality Stadium.
Erling Haaland should also start in place of Omar Marmoush, despite the Egyptian's double against Atletico Madrid in City's final preseason game last week. Enzo Maresca will be looking to give his ideal starting XI going forward enough game time to prepare for City's EPL opener against Bournemouth next weekend.
As for Arsenal, their new signing Bruno Guimaraes will make his full debut. The Gunners do have injury concerns about Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, so we shouldn't be surprised if both players miss this one. William Saliba is a definite absentee.
City have a good recent record against Arsenal. The Blues have beat Arsenal in their last two meetings, 2-1 at the Etihad (remember Rayan Cherki's mesmerising run and finish?) which followed City's superb 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup Final.
Talking of Cherki, I think he'll start on the bench here. I'm expecting a midfield of Anderson and Kovacic, with Phil Foden playing in front.
Who starts at left back is more debatable. While Nico O' Reilly has made that position his own, Rayan Ait-Nouri has enjoyed an excellent preseason. With O' Reilly just returning to training, Maresca might go with the Algerian to start this one. Alternatively, Josko Gvardiol might move to the left to make room for Marc Guehi alongside Ruben Dias at the heart of City's defence.
The rest of the starting lineup pretty much writes itself. There'll be plenty of game time for most players so expect plenty of changes throughout.
Score prediction? I'm going for 2-1 City.
Man City potential starting XI v Arsenal
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Elliot Anderson, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland
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