Arsenal vs. Manchester City Community Shield Picks: 3 Bets to Target in the First Big Match of the Season!

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Published: Sun Aug 16, 2026, 8:58 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

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We finally get a little taste of top-level European football today!

Arsenal and Manchester City meet in the Community Shield with the first trophy of the new season on the line. These two sides have played some incredibly tight matches in recent years, and I expect another entertaining battle today.

Of course, one of the biggest storylines is the beginning of a new era at Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola is gone, with Enzo Maresca now taking charge. It's been a long time since we've seen Manchester City enter a season with someone new leading the club.

So, how does the Maresca era begin?

Can the defending Premier League champions start their season by lifting another trophy? Or will Arsenal spoil Maresca's debut and add some early silverware of their own?

Let's get into the plays.

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

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Featured Plays

Arsenal vs. Manchester City Both Teams to Score

Let's start with the fact that there's a trophy on the line.

This isn't your typical preseason friendly. Both teams will want to start the new campaign by adding another piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet.

In these types of matches, I like targeting both teams to find the net.

I wouldn't be surprised if things start slowly as each side feels out the other. That first goal could completely change the way this match is played.

Once someone breaks through, I expect things to open up quickly.

Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between Arsenal and Manchester City.

The recent form also points us in that direction.

Dating back to last season, Arsenal have seen both teams score in six straight matches. Manchester City enter this one on a streak of five straight.

Neither defense has exactly been shutting teams down.

Arsenal will also be without William Saliba as he continues recovering from his World Cup injury. That's a massive absence against an attack with this much quality.

The Gunners have conceded in five straight meetings with Manchester City.

Without Saliba anchoring the back line, I expect that streak to continue.

On the other side, Arsenal have more than enough attacking talent to create chances against City.

Give me goals from both sides.

Play: Arsenal vs. Manchester City Both Teams to Score (-140)

Christos Tzolis (Arsenal) To Score or Assist

The new Arsenal man gets his first big appearance for the Gunners.

The first player prop I'm targeting features one of Arsenal's newest additions.

Christos Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge after putting together a ridiculous season in Belgium.

He finished last season with 22 goals and 29 assists across 52 appearances.

That's 51 goal contributions.

Pure quality.

We've already seen that translate since his move to Arsenal. Tzolis has contributed to a goal in three of his first four appearances with the club.

The only match where he failed to contribute came off the bench. He played just 29 minutes in that one.

Today's matchup won't be easy.

Tzolis should spend plenty of time attacking down the left side against Matheus Nunes. Still, I think his movement and creativity can cause problems for this City defense.

He doesn't need to score to cash this bet either.

Tzolis is just as dangerous creating for others, which is exactly why I prefer the score-or-assist market.

At +170, there's enough value here for me to take a shot.

Play: Christos Tzolis To Score or Assist (+170)

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Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) To Score or Assist

Year two for Semenyo as he looks to build off a great first season with City.

We're going to the other side for my final play.

Antoine Semenyo is entering his second season with Manchester City after an outstanding debut campaign.

He finished last season with 17 goals and four assists across 37 appearances.

More importantly, he already looks ready for the new season.

Semenyo has contributed to a goal in all three friendlies he's played this summer. He looks like he's already in midseason form.

City knew exactly what they were getting when they brought him over from Bournemouth.

Semenyo had already produced consecutive impressive seasons with the Cherries before making the jump to Manchester.

Now he's established himself as City's starting right winger.

That puts him in an excellent position to attack an Arsenal defense missing Saliba and Timber.

I'm also leaning slightly toward Manchester City being the better side today.

If City find the net like I expect, Semenyo should have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

At +145, I like the value.

Play: Antoine Semenyo To Score or Assist (+145)

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BettingThePitch

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