---
title: "Man City midfield pecking order emerges ahead of Arsenal Community Shield clash"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/08/13/man-city-midfield-pecking-order-kovacic-nico-gonzalez/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-08-13T07:38:05Z"
modified: "2026-08-13T07:38:06Z"
---

# Man City midfield pecking order emerges ahead of Arsenal Community Shield clash

**Mateo Kovacic is currently ahead of Nico Gonzalez in the [City](https://readmancity.com/) midfield pecking order and is expected to start against Arsenal in Sunday’s Community Shield, according to [Jack Gaughan](https://x.com/City_Xtra/status/2087799297592930542?s=20).**

The report, shared by City Xtra, provides a potential indication of how Enzo Maresca is currently viewing his midfield options ahead of the opening competitive fixture of the season.

Kovacic has featured regularly during City’s pre-season preparations, while Gonzalez has also been given opportunities to impress since joining the club.

However, it appears the Croatian is currently in front of his team-mate in the battle for a starting place at Wembley.

That could see Kovacic line up against Arsenal, with City facing Mikel Arteta’s side in the traditional curtain-raiser to the new Premier League campaign.

The Community Shield will provide Maresca with his first competitive test as Manchester City manager, making his team selection particularly interesting.

Gonzalez is therefore likely to face competition for his place, although there remains time for the midfield picture to change before kick-off.

For now, though, Kovacic appears to have the edge.