Enzo Maresma has been candid about his primary goal for his inaugural campaign at the helm of Manchester City: to narrow the distance between his side and Arsenal, who finished the previous Premier League season just seven points behind the champions. The first real test of whether that ambition is realistic will arrive on Sunday when the two clubs clash in the Community Shield.
Historically, Arsenal have won all three of their Shield encounters with City, and this weekend's showdown at the Cardiff stadium promises to be the opening chapter of what could become a compelling new rivalry between Mikel Arteta and Maresma. The match also serves as a countdown to the start of the league proper, with Arsenal set to begin their season against Coventry City five days later, and City slated to face Bournemouth two days after that, both fixtures televised on Sky Sports. Sky Sports' odds maker currently lists Arsenal as the slight favorites to retain the title, placing them about four points ahead of City in the projected standings.
Yet a fresh challenger has emerged, eager to upset Pep Guardiola's dominance and rewrite the betting markets. Neither manager is likely to approach the Shield as a friendly encounter; the trophy is on the line and both will be looking to make a statement. "For me personally, it's a trophy," Maresma told reporters. "When a final is at stake you go out to win it, not to treat it like a friendly.
We want to give everything we have to claim that first piece of silverware. "Arsenal have been a consistent force over the last few years.
They are a superbly organised side, well‑coached by Mikel, and they lifted the Premier League last season. But we are City, and our aim is to close the gap.
"Pre‑season has gone well. Now we have to compete, win matches and chase titles. I expect a high‑energy attitude and the right mentality from the squad." When pressed about the fitness of star striker Erling Haaland, Maresma replied that the Norwegian is fine, having suffered only a minor heel issue.
He added that the entire squad is largely fit, though a few players have only just returned from their summer break. Across the water, Arteta praised Maresma, suggesting the Italian is "just as good" as his predecessor Guardiola and acknowledging that the Community Shield is a legitimate trophy that can set the tone for the season. "We want the best version of Arsenal on Sunday.
The aim is to start the campaign by lifting the first piece of silverware," Arteta said. "We've prepared for that and we expect a top‑class performance." Asked about facing a City side without Guardiola, Arteta responded: "Now it's Enzo – who I know well and consider as good as Pep. He will bring something different to the club." Arteta also confirmed that, aside from the injured Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, Arsenal enjoy a clean bill of health.
He highlighted that key figures such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have not yet featured in pre‑season matches but are expected to be fit. "It's a trophy we can win because we earned it last season by taking the league," Arteta added. "You can see how hungry the players are, which is a very positive sign. The squad have returned earlier than expected, they're in great condition, and the testing has gone well.
When I look at the group we have and what we are building, there is a lot of excitement." Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter noted that City’s final pre‑season friendly was a 3‑1 victory over Atletico Madrid on August 9, and she expects a similar line‑up for the Shield. She suggested that left‑back Rayan Ait‑Nouri could start if fit, while Tijjani Reijnders is unlikely to feature. In midfield, Maresma may choose between Nico González and Rico Lewis, with England prospects Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson also in contention once the league begins, though they missed pre‑season due to the World Cup.
Omar Marmoush, who netted a brace against Atletico with assists from Antoine Semenyo, is likely to occupy a central role as Haaland eases back into full match fitness. Phil Foden’s return will also be monitored, as he looks to reclaim the No 10 shirt after a summer of international duty. In a separate analysis, Sky Sports' Sam Blitz observed that Arsenal’s midfield trio of Rice, Saka and Zubimendi are available, but many of the Gunners’ players only received 30‑minute cameo appearances in the friendlies.
He predicts they may start on the bench and be introduced in the second half of the Shield. This scenario could open a place for Bruno Guimarães, who debuted against Como, to feature in Cardiff. It also offers a chance for Myles Lewis‑Skelly to start, despite ongoing speculation about his future, and for new signing Christos Tzolis to be tested on the left wing. Max Dowman, who completed a full pre‑season, might be preferred over Noni Madueke.
Arteta faces a left‑back dilemma between Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié, with the more defensive‑oriented Hincapié possibly getting the nod. Meanwhile, a revitalised Martin Ødegaard could look to cement his influence after a stop‑start campaign last term.
Both managers will view the Community Shield not merely as a ceremonial curtain‑raiser but as a genuine opportunity to claim early silverware and send a psychological message to the rest of the league. For Maresma, a victory would be a statement that his project to close the gap with Arsenal is already bearing fruit. For Arteta, lifting the trophy would reinforce his ambition to retain the Premier League crown and demonstrate that his side can thrive without Guardiola at the helm. The match, therefore, promises more than a single piece of hardware; it offers a preview of the tactical battles, player rotations, and psychological edges that could define the 2024‑25 Premier League season.
Fans can look forward to a high‑intensity contest in Cardiff, with both clubs eager to start the campaign on a winning note.