2026 English Super Cup: Arsenal and Man City 'decimated' in squad strength

Arsenal and Man City have been hit with ongoing squad setbacks before the 2026 English Super Cup clash this weekend.

The 2026 English Super Cup match between Arsenal and Man City attracts fans' attention, as both giants cannot enter the cup battle with their strongest lineups. A series of key players have physical issues or haven't returned in time after the 2026 World Cup, making the clash at Principality Stadium even more unpredictable.

Arsenal's defensive worries

William Saliba is the biggest concern for Arsenal. The French center-back has a back problem after serving the French national team at the 2026 World Cup and hasn't reached peak fitness. If Saliba cannot play, it will be a significant blow to Mikel Arteta's defense.

Besides Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Louie Copley continue to be sidelined during recovery. Meanwhile, some stars who recently finished the World Cup, such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, joined the squad late, leaving their starting status uncertain.

Arsenal's pre-season form has also been unstable. The Gunners once beat Girona 4-1 but then suffered consecutive defeats to Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund.

Man City's Rodri absence

Man City even suffer a significant loss in midfield. Rodri will be absent after undergoing a minor back surgery post-World Cup. The absence of the Spanish midfielder is a major issue, as he is considered a crucial link in Man City's possession system.

Jack Grealish has returned to Man City after a loan spell at Everton, but he is unlikely to play as he hasn't reached peak condition. However, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku have been actively training again, providing positive signs for coach Maresca.

Some Man City players who just finished the long World Cup campaign, such as Marc Guehi, Rayan Cherki, Elliot Anderson, and Nico O'Reilly, only joined the squad a few days before the match. This leaves Maresca with little time to assemble an optimal lineup.

In that context, Mateo Kovacic and new signing Tijjani Reijnders are likely to shoulder Man City's midfield in Rodri's absence. Arsenal may also have to use backup options at the center of defense if Saliba doesn't recover in time.

English Super Cup holds special significance for coach Enzo Maresca

According to the schedule, Arsenal and Man City enter the Super Cup match at 21:00 on August 16 (Vietnam time). Due to Wembley having a scheduling conflict, this year's showdown has been moved to Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

This match is also special for Man City as coach Enzo Maresca makes his official debut as the team's manager after Pep Guardiola's departure. However, the Italian tactician is facing a complicated personnel puzzle.

2026 English Super Cup score prediction

Arsenal 2-1 Man City