Right-winger Savinho was not included in the Manchester City clash in the Community Shield, which takes place on August 10, 2024. The Brazilian player is out of both the starting lineup and the bench for the team led by Enzo Maresca, which faces Arsenal at 11am (Brasília time) at the Principality Stadium, located in Cardiff.
The non-inclusion of the Brazilian striker in the list of related players paves the way for Jérémy Doku and Antoine Semenyo to play on the wings. In the offensive sector, Phil Foden plays the role of advanced midfielder, with Erling Haaland leading the attack. In midfield, the midfielder duo is made up of Mateo Kovačić and Elliot Anderson, who will make his official debut for the Citizens in this game.
Details of Manchester City’s lineup for the clash without the Brazilian player
The Sky Blues’ goal will be defended by Gianluigi Donnarumma. The defensive line features Abdukodir Khusanov, captain Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly. Among the options on the bench are Jack Grealish, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki.
Savinho’s absence from the main team is due to his recovery from an illness that prevented him from training during the week. Furthermore, the player is also identified as a target of Tottenham’s interest in the transfer market, which influenced Enzo Maresca’s final decision. Other important absences for City include Rodri, who is recovering from a back injury, and Tijjani Reijnders, who was also not called up.
Completing the list of Manchester City substitute players are: Gerónimo Rulli, Marc Guéhi, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Nico González, Jack Grealish, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis.
Arsenal defines starters with Bruno Guimarães and saves Bukayo Saka on the bench
On Arsenal’s side, coach Mikel Arteta confirmed Bruno Guimarães as the centerpiece of the midfield, forming a trio with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Ødegaard. David Raya is the team’s goalkeeper. The defense line is made up of Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori. The offensive sector will have Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis.
Among those missing due to injury in the Gunners team are William Saliba and Jurriën Timber. Big names like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Viktor Gyökeres will start the match among the reserves, indicating a load management strategy. Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, in turn, were not included in the list of players.
Arsenal’s list of substitutes for the clash includes Kepa Arrizabalaga, Piero Hincapié, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman, Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyökeres.
Tactical impact of Savinho’s absence on Manchester City’s strategy
Main channels and platforms to watch live
- Brazil: ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming)
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max
- United States: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ and Fubo
- Canada: Sportsnet World / Sportsnet Plus
- Australia: Stan Sport
- India: Sony Sports Network (TV) and Sony LIV (streaming)
- Mexico: TNT Sports and Max
- Germany, Austria and Switzerland: DAZN
- France: beIN Sports / beIN Sports Connect
- Italy: DAZN (with free options on some channels such as Nove TV in certain regions)
- Spain: Movistar Plus+
- Portugal: Sport TV
- Netherlands: Viaplay
- Middle East and North Africa: beIN Sports / TOD
- Sub-Saharan Africa / South Africa: SuperSport/DStv
- Latin America (other countries): ESPN and Disney+ (in several nations)
The absence of the Brazilian athlete means that Manchester City loses an important alternative of speed and dribbling ability from the flanks. As a result, Jérémy Doku and Antoine Semenyo should take up the forward positions, while Elliot Anderson receives a valuable opportunity in midfield to demonstrate his potential. This clash in Cardiff, which takes place outside the traditional Wembley for the first time since 2006, marks the official kickoff of Enzo Maresca’s tenure.
The broadcast in Brazil will be carried out via ESPN channels and the Disney+ platform. The Community Shield acts as a crucial test for the Premier League season, which is about to start the following week, allowing managers to fine-tune their strategies. The decision not to include Savinho confirms the club’s caution with its full recovery and opens the door for new formations and offensive strategies for the Citizens.
