The community shield: Chelsea vs Manchester city (Match Preview )

The community shield takes center stage on Sunday afternoon as FA cup champions Chelsea fc face premier league champions Manchester city. Chelsea new manager Maurizio Sarri would be hoping to lay his hands on his first silverware. Free predictions, game preview and betting tips below.

With the new premier league season set to kick off next weekend, what more can lovers of football ask for? Although it is no news that most teams don’t hold the community shield in high esteem. Nevertheless it would be a real boost to start the season with a silverware in the bag.

Chelsea

The former Napoli manager and present blues boss Sarri will be presented with a chance to win a trophy in his very first competitive game at the club. He takes the job following a three year spell at Napoli where he helped the Italian outfit with great exploits around Europe. Nevertheless, it’s quite difficult to dismiss the fact that he has never won a major trophy. With two second place finishes and one third place finish, he would be looking to go one better here.

The Blues haven’t had an excellent preseason so far, winning Perth glory by a lone goal, while settling for a draw against both Arsenal and Inter Milan in the international champion’s cup. All three games had something in common (an early Chelsea goal), Pedro scored the opener against Perth and inter Milan, while Rudiger got the opener against arsenal with all three goals coming in the first ten minutes of the game

Manchester City

The manager of city’s side Pep Guardiola would be aware of Chelsea exploits lately and would have the advantage of playing a team he knows quite well unlike his Chelsea counterpart. The citizens did have an extremely fairytale like season last time out , breaking records which have stood for years game after game. And have shown football fans world over their capability.

On the flip side it is worthy of mention that Manchester city would be heading into this game with a slightly weaker team. A good number of first team players just resumed due to their exploits at the world cup. The list of players include Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem sterling, Vincent Kompany and Kyle walker. All of whom made it past the quarter final stage we could see them in action today with newly signed Riyad Mahrez doubtful as he picked up a knock against Bayern Munich.

Expectation

This game is shaping up to be a very interesting encounter with City who have won 21 games out of their previously played 30. They come up against a Chelsea side who haven’t exactly been on great form. The Blues might still have to field a team without Eden Hazard and his fellow country man Thibaut Courtois.
Considering the odds though Manchester city look like favorites by the bookies, we are also backing Manchester city who have seen over 2.5 goals scored in eight of their previously played ten games. Another market that should offer value is the goals market as we expect both teams to score.

HEAD TO HEAD

Both sides have an equal share of the spoils, with each of them winning three and losing three in the last six meetings. The most recent community shield encounter between these two teams took place in 2012 as Manchester city got 3-2 victory in this particular encounter. With goals from Yaya Toure, Carlos Tevez and Samir Nasri, all of whom have left the team.

pick

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.