4 first-team Manchester City stars set to miss Community Shield final against Manchester United

Manchester City face a major setback ahead of their season opener — the Community Shield final against cross-town Manchester United on Saturday, August 10. Pep Guardiola confirmed (via Simon Stone of BBC Sport) that English and Spanish internationals from EURO 2024 won't return to training until next week. Hence, Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden are unavailable for the match.

All these players were integral to City’s success last season, with Rodri playing a pivotal role in midfield. Stones and Walker anchored the defense, and Foden produced one of his finest seasons upfront. Their absence could see the Citizens making significant changes to their first-choice lineup.

Nico O'Reilly, who has been partnering Mateo Kovacic in a midfield double pivot for Manchester City's pre-season clashes, could feature in place of Rodri. Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and ever-reliant Ruben Dias are all available for Guardiola's consideration to start in the backline.

While there's no like-for-like replacement for Phil Foden, James McAtee, who has been impressive in the friendlies, could be handed a start against Manchester United. Otherwise, we could see the return of Kevin de Bruyne who joined training earlier in the week.

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Predicted starting lineup for Manchester City and Manchester United in the Community Shield final

As discussed earlier, Manchester City although with some notable absentees will present a capable squad for Saturday's Community Shield final. The likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Dias, Akanji, Bernardo Silva, and Matheus Nunes are all available for selection. Youngsters Rico Lewis and O'Reilly could be given a run-in too.

Manchester United have less headaches regarding players being absent due to a prolonged summer. However, they do have some major players missing out due to injuries. New signing Leny Yoro and first-choice striker Rasmus Hojlund are ruled out. Meanwhile, the defensive quartet of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw are all doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has taken part in training this week and could be handed his Manchester United debut.

Predicted Manchester City XI: Stefan Ortega; Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josep Gvardiol; Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne; Oscar Bobb, Bernardo Silve, Jack Grealish; Erling Haaland.

Predicted Manchester United XI: Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Johnny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Amass; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Joshua Zirkzee.