The new season starts here- Wembley.
The long wait for the latest instalment of the Premier League season ends on Saturday, when Manchester City take on Manchester United in this year’s Community Shield game.
The fixture is widely regarded as the traditional curtain raiser for the new campaign.
And this weekend, it will see two city rivals clash at England’s national stadium.
The winner of the game will not only start off the season with a piece of silverware, they would earn early bragging rights.
City played this same fixture against Arsenal last year. Despite taking a second-half lead through Cole Palmer, they conceded a late Leandro Trossard goal and eventually lost on penalties.
Pep Guardiola’s men ended the season with their fourth consecutive title and are looking to extend that record with a fifth this season.
However, they have not looked convincing in preseason, with the Red Devils more ahead in the preparations.
“Manchester United started their preseason earlier and have played more pre-season games (5) compared to Manchester City (4) who had more key players absent from their pre-season games due to their involvements in Euro 2024 and Copa America,” Ope Adebari a Sports Analyst, Reporter and Producer with News Central tells DAILY POST.
The final fixture in the English football calendar last season saw United shock City in the FA Cup final.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo gave Erik ten Hag’s men a shock two-goal lead, before Jeremy Doku pulled one back, for a goal that was mere consolation.
Could we see a repeat of the FA Cup final in the Community Shield?
“Due to the level of preparedness, it’s possible that Manchester United gets another win against their noisy blue neighbours.
“However, the lack of a focal point of attack in a striker could lead to the downfall of the Red Devils.
“We can’t rule out the monster winning mentality of Pep Guardiola and his sky blue army who always know how to grind out a win despite the odds stacked against them,” Adebari added.
A lot of people will argue that the Community Shield is a glorified friendly.
City lost it and won the league, while Arsenal did not win any trophies at the end of the campaign.
So, what are the expectations for both United and City this new season?
Adebari says: “For Manchester United and Erik Ten Hag, a top four finish and another trophy would be the expectation considering the status of the team at the moment.
“For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, it would be expected that they go ahead to make history by becoming the first team to win the Premier League title five years in a row.
“Expect them to also fight for continental glory in the UEFA Champions League as well as wanting to clinch a domestic cup in their the FA Cup or Carabao Cup.”
Community Shield: Man City, Man Utd fight to lay down a marker – A preview
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