Man City come up against their local rivals Man United in the Community Shield. It is essentially a repeat of the 2024 FA Cup final but this time around, Pep Guardiola will be eager to make a mark against Man United. In fact, it would be seen as a good redemption.
Not that Man City necessarily "need" redemption. Despite United's history, everybody knows that based on current form, Man City is the lightest shade of Sky Blue. In terms of trophies won, playing style and being feared by the opposition, Man City dominates Manchester by every stretch of the imagination.
That aside, as Pep Guardiola crafts his Community Shield lineup, here are 3 non-negotiable starters for Man City vs Man United...
3 non-negotiable starters for Man City vs Man United in Community Shield
1. Erling Haaland
The first name on the team-sheet for Pep Guardiola will be Erling Haaland. The Premier League top goal-scorer for two years running will undoubtedly play in the Community Shield against arch-rivals Man United.
After having a full pre-season due to Norway not qualifying for EURO 2024, Erling Haaland will be fit and raring to go once again. It is for this reason that Man City fans should be excited for his upcoming campaign, even pushing his robotic scoring record to one side.
Erling Haaland is prospected to have a field day at Wembley Stadium. This is because Man United have a defensive crisis ahead of the Community Shield. Therefore, Erling Haaland will have a much easier time getting on the score-sheet, he just needs to make the most of his chances.
2. Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish didn't have the best 2023/24 campaign, since he made just 10 Premier League starts. Therefore, he will be more inspired to push for a place in the starting eleven for the 2024/25 season.
Like Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish has had a full pre-season to prepare. He unfortunately had to watch his England teammates reach the EURO 2024 final from afar, having not been selected for the squad. Now that there's a new England manager at the helm, Grealish will hope to impress the new boss, whoever it ends up being. It all starts on Saturday, Jack.
3. Ruben Dias
It remains to be seen what Erik ten Hag opts for going forward. Much like his defence, the Dutch boss is struggling with an attack crisis too. Rasmus Hojlund will miss the start of the season and Joshua Zirkzee doesn't appear fit either.
Either way, Man City have the power in their hands, since Ruben Dias is fit and ready to go. The Portugal international last played for Portgual when they were knocked out by France at EURO 2024. He will hope to start the season strong by lifting some silverware, better yet against Man United.
What would be your Man City lineup vs Man United?