Arsenal vs. Man City Odds, Predictions & Betting Tips
Live on ITV1, Premier League holders Manchester City go up against runners-up Arsenal in this battle for the Community Shield.
Tipster Wizard previews the duel and picks out his two best bets.
These two sides battled it out for the Premier League title last season, with The Gunners the only side to push Manchester City right until the end for the title.
Arsenal were top of the league for a record 248 days but had to settle for a runners-up position which helped them set up this Community Shield clash against the Champions.
As for City, they had a historic season under Pep Guardiola which saw them complete a treble as they won the Premier League, Champions League as well as the FA Cup.
However, they have lost the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez to Barcelona and Al Ahli respectively, and there are talks ongoing for Bernardo Silva to potentially join Barcelona.
As for the incomings, they have completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic and are finalising the contract for highly-rated centre-back Josko Gvardiol.
Arsenal have also been busy in the transfer market, securing the likes of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, Declan Rice from West Ham, and Jurien Timber from Ajax.
Both sides look very strong and are expected to challenge right at the top of the table again this season and this Community Shield clash could be the perfect curtain-raiser.
An entertaining and competitive clash awaits us, and as usual I have you covered with two of my best betting angles included in the preview below:
Team News:
Kevin De Bruyne is doubtful for Man City as he is still recovering from the hamstring tear sustained in the Champions League Final. There are no other injuries/suspensions.
Gabriel Jesus, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, and Mohamed Elneny are out for Arsenal while Oleksandr Zinchenko is doubtful.
Man City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Kovacic, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
Arsenalpossible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Arsenal vs Man City Tips
Under 5 cards, Under 2 cards in the 1st half, Martin Odegaard Over 0.5 shots
Bet Builder Selections:
- Under 5 cards in the match
- Under 2 cards in the 1st half
- Martin Odegaard Over 0.5 shots
Historically, Community Shield games see a low number of yellow cards being dished out as it is termed as a “glorified friendly” and neither team wants to put in aggressive tackles to risk injuries a week before the Premier League season officially starts.
The last four Community Shield games have seen 2,3,1 and 0 cards and none of those games had at least two cards dished out in the first half.
As for Martin Odegaard, he averaged 2.5 shots per game for Arsenal last season and loves a pop from distance. Combining these three selections gives us a solid Bet Builder and I am happy to stake 1pt on that as our main bet for this game.
Bukayo Saka Anytime Goalscorer
Bukayo Saka finished as Arsenal’s second top goalscorer last season with 14 goals in the Premier League and also scored against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in the 2022/23 campaign.
Considering he will also be expected to be on penalties for Arsenal, 4/1 looks value for him to get on the scoresheet against a Manchester City defence that has conceded in every game in the preseason.
Taking this with a small 0.25pt stake as our second bet for this game.
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