However, Enzo Maresca has insisted his star striker is available for selection in Cardiff.

Though Haaland is healthy, he did not feature at all during pre-season because he was given an extended break after helping Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

Raring to go: Erling Haaland

PA

As such, he may have to settle for a place on the bench as the in-form Omar Marmoush leads the line after netting a brace in the 3-1 friendly win over Atletico Madrid.

Rico Lewis is an option having started there in the win over K-League Allstars.

Rodri is back at Man City following minor back surgery, but is still in the rehabilitation phase which suggests the Arsenal game comes too soon for him to feature.

Rayan Ait-Nouri has caught the eye during pre-season and is pushing for a start at left-back which would mean Josko Gvardiol moving inside to partner Ruben Dias at the heart of the City defence.

Phil Foden is set to start in the No10 role, with Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku - fresh off signing a brand new contract - completing the attacking trio behind the main striker.

Predicted Man City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Kovacic, Nico; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Marmoush

Time and date: 3pm BST on Sunday, August 16, 2026

Venue: Principality Stadium