Manchester City face their first competitive fixture of the new season when they lock horns with Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.
Though it has been dubbed a ‘glorified friendly’ down the years, Pep Guardiola’s close attention to youth during this preseason campaign suggests it could be a valuable experience for some academy graduates.
For new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri it is a chance to test his side against likely title challengers, while both clubs are probably set to utilise their new signings.
It might not be the most glamorous tie of the term, however we have been starved of competitive football for a few weeks now – it is certainly worth a watch.
Here is my predicted starting lineup, news about how you can view the game on television and what to expect from the match.
Predicted lineup
This is one of the toughest teams to call. Guardiola’s preseason squad consisted entirely of youth, apart from Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez, but the World Cup stars have reunited with the team meaning the Catalan has a plethora of options.
I think he is going to stick with youth to an extent, giving some World Cup players a longer rest and also provide the fledgling men Wembley’s atmosphere in a competitive environment.
Mahrez’s injury, initially thought to be worse than it was, indicates Guardiola is unlikely to risk him with the beginning of the season so close.
The likes of Leroy Sane, Claudio Bravo, Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte are all recognisable names who should start.
A shortage of defenders means Kyle Walker could come in as the most senior name in the eleven.
Predicted XI: Bravo, Mendy, Laporte, Denayer, Walker, Foden, Luiz, Zinchenko, Bernardo Silva, Sane, Gabriel Jesus
What to expect
The Community Shield won’t be high on Pep Guardiola’s list of priorities, however it is always pleasing to build the trophy cabinet.
And for players such as Phil Foden, Brahim Diaz and Oleksandr Zinchenko, the match might prove definitive in terms of their inclusion in Guardiola’s plans this term.
Those men should perform with a level of intensity, and hopefully the remainder of the City side follow suit. We saw the best of Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane, in flashes, during the Sky Blues’ American tour, and the two linked up ravishingly at times.
Claudio Bravo needs to know whether his future is in Manchester or elsewhere, and needs a good game here.
Anticipate a tough test from a fresh-looking Chelsea, who will be propelled by the eccentric, yet incredibly astute, Maurizio Sarri who may treat this encounter with real importance.
Overall the game could end up like a friendly, or it could be a high-tempo game to remember, if the two managers and players take it seriously enough. Fingers crossed they do.
TV News
For UK viewers, the game will be available on BT Sport 1 and in Ultra HD. This includes Ireland.
Those tuning in in the United States can find the match live on ESPN+, and
African viewers can watch on beIN Sports 1.
The game is also available on bet365, where you can stream it live if you have a funded account on the site.