Manchester City will today afternoon clash with Chelsea in the Community Shield. The Premier League champions are looking to push on from a
record-breaking campaign last season, as they take on the Blues side
under manager, Maurizio Sarri.
Pep Guardiola’s men head to the game following a 3-2 victory over
Bayern Munich in their pre-season friendly game in the United States
last weekend.
Guardiola has no new injuries worries in his squad ahead of this clash.
Goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo has started all three friendlies in the
absence of regular first choice, Ederson, while young forward Lukas
Nmecha has also been used heavily and will likely be given a chance to
impress against Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have enjoyed a decent pre-season to date, seeing
off Perth Glory 1-0 in Australia before returning to Europe and playing
out a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan.
The Blues head to the match following a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in midweek, before losing on penalties.
With Willian and Hazard still absent, Callum Hudson-Odoi has taken
full advantage and was once again Chelsea’s star performer against
Arsenal in midweek, which should mean the youngster retaining his place
alongside Pedro and Alvaro Morata.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are favourites to start as
the Blues’ centre-back duo next season, though David Luiz and
breakthrough star, Ethan Ampadu remain options for this match.
Goalkeeper, Willy Caballero looked shaky at some point against the
Gunners, whereas youngster Marcin Bulka produced two big saves in his 12
minutes on the field and may well retain the jersey ahead of Courtois’
imminent return.
Manchester City’s potential starting XI: Bravo; Bolton, Denayer,
Laporte, Zinchenko; Foden, Brahim Diaz, Gomes; B.Silva, Nmecha, Sane
Chelsea’s potential starting XI: Bulka; Azpilicueta, Christensen,
Rudiger, Alonso; Fabregas, Jorginho, Barkley; Pedro, Morata, Hudson-Odoi
The kick off time for the match is 3pm.