Pellegrini confirms that several key stars will be absent for the Wembley clash.
It’s the first competitive match of the 2014/15 season for both Arsenal and Manchester City as the two Premier League giants go head-to-head in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.
The Gunners won the FA Cup last term whilst City triumphed in the English top tier for the second time in three years in order to be here.
However, Citizens manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that seven of his first team stars will be missing for this encounter, with former Gunner Bacary Sagna among those who are absent.
Here is how CaughtOffside expects the English champions to lineup.
GK – Joe Hart
Despite the fact new £4.4m signing Willy Caballero is ready to play following his summer move from Malaga, we expect Pellegrini to go with his preferred No.1 between the sticks.
RB – Micah Richards
With both Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta absent having only just returned from World Cup duty, this could be a rare opportunity for Richards to impress in defence.
CB – Matija Nastasic
Having missed much of the last campaign due to injury this will be a chance for the 21-year-old to prove that he should be partnering captain Vincent Kompany in defence ahead of Martin Demichelis.
CB – Dedryck Boyata
With both Demichelis and Kompany also absent the 23-year-old should be given a game at the back having featured regularly in pre-season.
LB – Aleksandar Kolarov
The Serbian has moved ahead of Gael Clichy for a place at left-back and this could be an opportunity for Kolarov to cement that role for himself with a good performance.
RM – Jesus Navas
After moving to England from Sevilla last summer the Spanish winger had a solid first year in his new league and is likely to feature regularly once more in the coming season.
CM – Fernando
Fellow Brazilian Fernandinho will not be playing, so this could well be a chance for the new £12m signing from FC Porto to show what he can do in defensive midfield.
CM – Yaya Toure
After a few difficult weeks between club and player following the conclusion of the 2013/14 campaign, things seem to have been sorted now and Toure has pledged his future to City.
LM – Samir Nasri
Having been left out of Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the 2014 World Cup the attacking midfielder should be ready to take to a football pitch by now.
ST – Edin Dzeko
Despite the arrival of two new forwards last summer Dzeko still proved he was vital to the team’s success and with Alvaro Negredo injured, the 28-year-old should get a chance.
ST – Stevan Jovetic
Having performed well in pre-season this could finally be the chance for the Montenegro international to prove what all the fuss is about and start doing well in a Citizens shirt.
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