This Saturday, the English football season kicks off with the Community Shield, as Premier League champions Manchester City face FA Cup winners Manchester United at Wembley. Although often viewed as a pre-season friendly, this match offers both silverware and bragging rights for the two Manchester giants.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, 10 August
Time: 7:45 PM (NPT)
Location: Wembley Stadium, London
Referee: Jarred Gillett
VAR: Peter Bankes
Head-to-Head (Last Five Games)
Man City: 3 wins
Man Utd: 2 wins
Manchester City Team News
Pep Guardiola's squad is coming off a mixed pre-season in the U.S. with some key players returning from international duty. Rodri, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, and John Stones may feature, though they might not start. Summer signing Savio could make his debut, while young talents Rico Lewis and Josh Wilson-Esbrand are doubtful. In midfield, Nico O'Reilly might be given a chance following his strong pre-season, and James McAtee could feature after impressing on loan at Sheffield United.
Predicted Man City Lineup (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Ortega
Defenders: Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol
Midfielders: De Bruyne, Kovacic, Bobb
Forwards: McAtee, Grealish, Haaland
Manchester United Team News
United's pre-season has been marred by injuries, with new signing Leny Yoro sidelined for three months and Rasmus Hojlund out with an injury sustained in the U.S. tour. Joshua Zirkzee might debut up front in Hojlund's absence. Jonny Evans is likely to return, but Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are doubts, while Tyrell Malacia is ruled out.
Predicted Man Utd Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Shaw
Midfielders: Casemiro, Mainoo
Attacking Midfielders: Amad, Fernandes, Rashford
Forward: Zirkzee