I break betting odds news as it happens, so you’re never left behind when the market moves or a top offer lands.
- Arsenal are slight favourites against Manchester City in the 2026 Community Shield, priced at 29/20 with bet365
- The match takes place at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, the first time the fixture has been held there since 2006
- It will be Enzo Maresca's first game in charge of Manchester City, following Pep Guardiola's departure in the summer
The New Season's Curtain Raiser Arrives
There's nothing quite like the Community Shield to signal that a new football season is finally upon us, and the top betting sites already have this year's fixture priced up ahead of kick-off.
Premier League champions Arsenal take on FA Cup winners Manchester City this weekend, with both sides eager to get one over their fiercest title rivals right from the very first game of the campaign.
Given the quality on show and the significance of the occasion for both sides, it's little surprise that bet365's betting markets suggest this could be a close affair.
Arsenal are priced at 29/20, with Manchester City following closely at 31/20, while the draw is available at 13/5.
Should the match finish level after 90 minutes, the Community Shield goes straight to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
A Return To Cardiff After Two Decades
This year's fixture comes with a notable change of scenery, with the match being played at Cardiff's Principality Stadium rather than its usual home at Wembley.
It marks the first time the Community Shield has been staged in the Welsh capital since 2006, a shift necessitated by a series of concerts taking place at Wembley on the same weekend.
The 74,000-capacity venue, which previously hosted the fixture for six consecutive years in the early 2000s, promises a fittingly grand backdrop for what will be the 104th edition of this historic curtain raiser.
A New Era Begins For City
Beyond the change of venue, this year's match carries added significance for Manchester City, marking Enzo Maresca's first game in official charge following his appointment as successor to Pep Guardiola over the summer.
It's a fixture that will offer an early glimpse of how City look under their new manager, and with Arsenal representing exactly the kind of high-profile opposition capable of testing a new regime immediately, this promises to be a genuinely revealing occasion for everyone connected with the club.
Arsenal and Manchester City have faced off in this fixture on several previous occasions, with recent history including Arsenal victories in both 2014 and 2023.
What the expert says...
Where To Bet On The Community Shield
Bet365 currently offer one of the most detailed markets on this weekend's curtain raiser, though it's worth comparing prices across a wider range of betting sites before placing a bet.
Several operators are also running free bets for new customers ahead of the new season, which is worth exploring if you're new to betting on this fixture.
Our guide to the best football betting sites is a great place to start for comparing your options.
