Arsenal
Arsenal & Man City Predicted lineups For The Community Shield: German & Argentine Contingent Remain Absent
Manchester City
As Arsenal meet Manchester City, we look at the possible lineups for both the teams in the curtain raiser of English football. Manuel Pellegrini would be without more than 8 players for this match, as his Argentine contingent as well as captain Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Lampard and Sagna are regaining match fitness after their holiday. Striker Alvaro Negredo would miss the match and a few months due to injury suffered in the preseason which would provide an opportunity to Dzeko and Jovetic to work together. New men Willy Caballero and Fernando could vouch for the starting spot for goalkeeper and defensive midfield.
All the players that arrive this Monday, (Martin) Demichelis. VincentKompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Sagna, Fernandinho, Lampard and (Sergio)Aguero, they have a special preseason this week and next week. … (Alvaro) Negredo has at least two or three months that he won’t play. He is coming to Carrington again and he is working on different things, is what Pellegrini said about his team.
However, it should be Joe Hart to start as goalie as Manuel Pellegrini would have more confidence on his English star than the Former Malaga keeper. And at the back Micah Richards could play alongside Nastasic, Boyata and Kolarov.
In midfield, it should be the man mountains Yaya Toure and Fernando to form the double pivot while Nasri and either one of the Spanish contingent Navas or Silva could complete the midfield four, leaving Dzeko and Jovetic the space to partner upfront.
Arsenal
Arsenal would be without their World Champions Germans Mertesacker, Özil and Podolski. They are likely to start with youngster Calum Chambers at central defense while another new signing Mathieu Debuchy will start at right back. For the left back spot, English man Keiran Gibbs should be given the nod ahead of Nacho Monreal. Last year’s Golden Glove winner Wojciech Szczesny should start ahead of David Ospina, who is yet to regain his full fitness.
The lack of new signings for the defensive midfield position means that it opens space for Flamini, Arteta & Wilshere to fight for a starting berth along side Aaron Ramsey.
Marquee man Alexis Sanchez is likely to play his first competitive game for the Gunners, who should be joined by Santi Cazorla in the number 10 role and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain on the left side.
While for the striking role, Giroud’s fitness would be assessed by Wenger as the French International suffered match fitness in the Emirates cup and was withdrawn during half time. This may present the opportunity for fellow Frenchman Yaya Sanogo or returning loanee Joel Campbell.
Arsenal & Man City Predicted lineups:
Man City: Hart; Richards, Boyata, Nastasic, Kolarov; Fernando, Touré, Nasri, Silva; Jovetic, Dzeko
Arsenal: Szczesny; Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey, Oxlade Chamberlain, Cazorla, Alexis; Campbell.
Predicted Scoreline: Man City 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have mutually agreed to terminate their controversial sleeve sponsorship when the current season concludes in June 2026. The partnership, which made Visit Rwanda Arsenal’s first-ever sleeve partner in 2018, will end after eight seasons amid ongoing criticism about Rwanda spending millions on Premier League advertising while facing poverty challenges domestically.
Financial Success Justifies Rwandan Investment
Rwanda’s tourism revenues increased 47% since the partnership began, reaching $650 million in 2024 with visitor arrivals hitting 1.3 million. These figures vindicate the Rwanda Development Board’s decision to invest heavily in Arsenal’s global platform despite fierce backlash when the deal was initially announced.
Jean-Guy Afrika, Rwanda Development Board CEO, acknowledged the partnership’s groundbreaking impact. “It broke new ground for tourism boards around the world, driving awareness and visitation for Rwandan tourism at a pace traditional campaigns could never match.”
The collaboration included Arsenal Heritage Day at Emirates Stadium and visits from club legends including Alex Scott, Mathieu Flamini, and Bacary Sagna, alongside current players Jurrien Timber, Caitlin Foord, and Katie McCabe. They experienced Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris in Akagera, and participated in the annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.
Strategic Pivot to LA Rams and SoFi Stadium
Rwanda’s decision reflects broader strategy to diversify sports partnerships beyond football. The nation recently partnered with LA Rams and SoFi Stadium through the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Group, signaling expansion into American markets.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick emphasized the partnership’s financial importance. “The commitment and support of Visit Rwanda throughout our partnership has played an important role in driving forward our ambitions – helping us invest in our long-term vision to win major trophies, in a financially sustainable way.”
Rwanda remains committed through the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with Visit Rwanda continuing as sleeve sponsor for Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams until June 2026.
Read More: Bukayo Saka Names Former Arsenal Star as Best Player He’s Played With Despite Kane and Rice Options
Arsenal Dragon
Double Injury Blow: Arsenal Attacker Suffers Setback as Gabriel Magalhaes Faces Potential Two-Month Absence
Arsenal have been dealt a devastating double injury blow during the international break, with Kai Havertz suffering a minor relapse and Gabriel Magalhaes potentially sidelined for two months with a thigh injury sustained representing Brazil.
Havertz’s Return Delayed Until Year’s End
Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Havertz has experienced complications in his recovery from August’s knee surgery. “Kai had a minor relapse on his injury, but overall, he’s doing well. He is expected to return towards the end of the year,” the Germany manager stated after his side’s 6-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Slovakia.
The setback eliminates any possibility of Havertz featuring in Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham. The 26-year-old has been restricted to just one appearance this season, playing 30 minutes in Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Manchester United before undergoing a “minor surgical procedure” on his knee.
Havertz initially targeted mid-November for his comeback after spending three months on the treatment table. This latest relapse extends his absence through December, forcing Arsenal to continue relying on Mikel Merino as an auxiliary striker option.
Gabriel’s Thigh Injury Compounds Crisis
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal, with early indications suggesting a one-to-two month absence. The Brazilian defender has arguably been Arsenal’s most important performer this season, making his potential absence devastating for Mikel Arteta’s title ambitions.
Arsenal face a congested fixture schedule through the festive period without two crucial first-team players. Viktor Gyokeres remains doubtful for the derby with his own hamstring problem, while Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Norway with a thigh issue.
The injury crisis leaves Arsenal dangerously thin across multiple positions heading into the busiest period of the season. Arteta must navigate crucial matches against Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool while managing an increasingly depleted squad.
Read More: (Video and Photos) Watch Mikel Merino’s Impressive Choices as he Goes Jersey Shopping
Arsenal Women will be looking to end a three-game winless run when they welcome Real Madrid Women to Meadow Park for Wednesday’s Women’s Champions League contest. As for Las Blancas, they will be desperate to bounce back from Saturday’s heavy defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Arsenal Women vs. Real Madrid Women: Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Women (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Hinds; Pelova, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Caldentey, Foord; Russo
Real Madrid Femenino (4-2-3-1): Misa; Navarro, Mendez, Lakrar, Holmgaard; Angeldal, Dabritz; Feller, Weir, Caicedo; Redondo
Also read: Ailing Katie Reid Receives Words of Consolation From Arsenal Loanee Suffering From Same Injury
Match Preview
Arsenal have struggled for consistency this season, recording five wins, four draws and three defeats in 12 competitive matches. The Gunners have gone three games without a win since their 4-1 victory over Leicester City at the start of the month.
They played out draws against Chelsea and Tottenham, either side of a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Bayern Munich on matchday three. Renee Slegers’s side gave up a two-goal lead in Germany, representing their second European defeat after losing 2-1 to Lyon in their first outing.
The reigning European champions sit in 11th place and just a point ahead of teams outside the top 12. Arsenal can take confidence from already beating Real Madrid on home soil this year, claiming a 3-0 victory to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in March’s quarter-final clash.
Fifth-placed Real Madrid are comfortably inside the top 12 and eyeing a top-four spot. Las Blancas started with a 6-2 victory over Roma, before edging out PSG 2-1 in France. Pau Quesada’s side looked set to fall to their first European defeat against Paris FC, before Caroline Weir rescued her side with a 98th-minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw.
Weir saw her penalty saved in Saturday’s El Clasico against Barcelona. The Blaugrana went on to score two late goals to wrap up a 4-0 victory, dropping Real Madrid to fourth position in the Liga F table.
Team News
Arsenal remain without Manuela Zinsberger, Katie Reid, Leah Williamson and Kim Little. Victoria Pelova could earn a recall after dropping to the bench against Tottenham.
Real Madrid travel without Merle Frohms, Antonia, Sandie Toletti and Signe Bruun. Sara Holmgaard could return at left-back, while Alba Redondo is pushing for a recall.
Kick-off: 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Venue: Meadow Park, Borehamwood
TV: Disney+ (UK) | Paramount+ (USA)
Also read: 3 Things We Learned From Arsenal Women’s Frustrating 0-0 Draw Against Tottenham Women
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