Arsenal Team News: Bruno Guimaraes Set for First Start in Community Shield Against Manchester City
Arsenal look set to hand Bruno Guimaraes his first start when they face Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium. After stepping off the bench in the midweek win over Como, the Brazil midfielder is now in line to begin a game that will offer a proper early measure of Mikel Arteta’s side.
There is no mystery here. Arsenal have had to manage the return of several players after their extended summer break following the World Cup. Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli only returned to training at the start of the week, so caution has been the obvious approach. Even so, Arteta has made it clear they are ready to feature. “They will be available,” Arteta said at his pre-match conference. “They trained with us today, they will train tomorrow. If they are in the condition we expect them to be, they will be involved.”
Photo IMAGO
Bruno Guimaraes in midfield plan
That points to Guimaraes getting the nod alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has done the hard yards all summer and started every pre-season match. It is a sensible pairing, one offering control, legs and a bit of bite. Arsenal need that against Manchester City, because these games are usually decided by who gives the ball away less often.
Arsenal defence still stretched
At the back, Arsenal remain without Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. That leaves Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera as the likely options on the right side of defence, with Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori expected to complete the back line in front of David Raya.
Community Shield selection calls
Further forward, Christos Tzolis has earned serious consideration after an impressive pre-season. He may well edge ahead of Martinelli, whose future continues to attract attention. Kai Havertz, meanwhile, remains the trusted option for the bigger occasions and is expected to lead the line.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Odegaard, Tzolis, Havertz.
Kick-off is set for 3pm BST on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Cardiff.