The traditional curtain-raiser of the English football season, the Community Shield, will see Premier League champions Arsenal take on FA Cup holders Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on Sunday, August 16, at 3pm (14:00 GMT). The match was moved from Wembley due to its unavailability.

This encounter marks the beginning of a new era for Manchester City, as Enzo Maresca takes charge of his first competitive game since replacing Pep Guardiola. Arsenal, meanwhile, ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season, but questions linger over their ability to defend the crown.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Guardiola, calling him "the best coach in the history of football." "I was very lucky to be part of that for four years and understand and witness how it's done daily. It's remarkable and unique," Arteta said. He also backed Maresca to do an "unbelievable job," citing his personality, character, and knowledge.

Maresca acknowledged Arsenal's strength in recent years but vowed to close the gap. "Arsenal have shown in the last two or three or four, five years, that they are always there. It is a fantastic team from Mikel. But at the same time, we are City and we're going to try to close the gap and compete," he said.

Transfer speculation dominates the buildup. Barcelona reportedly bid £38.5 million for World Cup winner Rodri, but City rejected the offer. Rodri, who underwent back surgery after Spain's World Cup triumph, is not yet match-fit. City may respond by moving for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, though a reported deadline for that deal has passed.

This will be the 217th meeting between the sides, with Arsenal winning 100 and City 67. According to Opta's supercomputer, Arsenal have a 45% chance of victory in 90 minutes, City 30%, and a draw (leading to penalties) 25%.

Arsenal's new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis are likely to feature, while City's Erling Haaland is expected to start on the bench as he eases back from World Cup duty. Rodri is absent, and Savinho missed training due to illness.

Source: www.aljazeera.com