Manchester City will face arch-rivals Manchester United in the season-opening Community Shield. The Citizens recorded their first victory of their pre-season campaign the previous week after comfortably beating Chelsea. Having lost last season’s FA Cup final to United, City will be desperate for revenge. The match will be held tomorrow at 3:00 pm BST at Wembley Stadium.
Team News
The majority of the senior squad are expected to be in the match squad. Star players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, and Ruben Dias have all resumed training after being granted an extended vacation following their involvement in the UEFA Euros and the Copa America.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Euro 2024 finalists Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones will be part of the matchday squad against the Red Devils and will return to training next week.
Match Preview
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag struggled with injuries and results last season, finishing in a disappointing eighth position. However, the Red Devils had the last laugh, beating City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
United have had a strong transfer window, signing talented centre-back Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. However, they will be missing Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, and Luke Shaw due to injury.
The Citizens have been dominant against their city counterparts in the last few years. City have won seven of their last ten games against United and will be hoping to extend their run of good results. However, Guardiola is known for not taking the Community Shield very seriously, having played in the competition for the past three years but losing those matches.
Predicted Starting Line-Up
With a number of key players returning, Guardiola will be looking to ease them back in to avoid any injuries. A similar lineup to the Chelsea game is expected, with youngsters Oscar Bobb and Nico O’Reilly likely to start.
Ederson picked up a few niggles in the previous game and may not be part of the squad.
Predicted Lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Phillips, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, O’Reilly; Bobb, McAtee, Grealish; Haaland.
