What: FA Community Shield
Who: Chelsea v Manchester United
When: Sunday 8th August, 2010; 15:00 (UK time)
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
The Team to Beat
As Double winners, Chelsea have every reason to reflect proudly on last season’s efforts, which were kick-started by their Community Shield spot kick triumph over United. They also beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s men home and away and cruised to FA Cup glory. After three tough years, they were back on top of the pile.
Despite a string of rumours, the key men have stayed at Stamford Bridge this summer, giving the Blues the strongest spine in the league. Carlo Ancelotti has not splashed the cash in the summer transfer market so far, but Yossi Benayoun offers another option out wide and Brazilian midfielder Ramires could yet sign from Benfica.
While the Champions League remains the most coveted prize for owner Roman Abramovich, Chelsea can consider themselves the team to beat and the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard will not want to take a step back. The squad will be even stronger once Didier Drogba and Petr Cech regain full fitness.
Out For Revenge
One devastating week blew United’s title and European hopes to shreds last season, turning a hugely promising campaign into a thoroughly frustrating one. That will serve as the best possible motivation, especially as the ultimately title-deciding loss to Chelsea at Old Trafford came during that seven-day blip.
Ferguson has made minimal changes to his squad – instead putting faith in his youngsters. New face Javier Hernandez has shown real promise while the Da Silva twins, Nani and Jonny Evans will have significant roles to play. Old heads like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will be there to keep the young charges in check.
The United boss will have his eye on all the big prizes, but ousting Chelsea – and the blue side of Manchester for that matter – in the Premier League title race must be a high priority. Despite Ferguson’s insistence that the Community Shield is just a final warm-up game, this clash is his first chance to send a message to Chelsea.
Tactical Battles
John Terry v Dimitar Berbatov – Terry has looked a little vulnerable over the past year or two and had a difficult World Cup while Berbatov has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. Both will want to hit back and make the headlines for the right reasons. With United expected to limit Wayne Rooney’s involvement, Berbatov has a big chance to take centre stage, just as he did on the club’s North American tour.
Nicolas Anelka v Nemanja Vidic – With Drogba unlikely to start, Anelka has the chance to put his troubled summer behind him. With Rio Ferdinand still injured, Vidic carries a heavy burden at the back for United and handling the pace and movement of Anelka will make life even tougher.
Frank Lampard v Darren Fletcher – This is the key clash. There was a time when these two men would not have been mentioned in the same sentence, but Fletcher has blossomed into an outstanding midfield enforcer. Lampard likes to set the tone for Chelsea, but Fletcher will be his shadow on Sunday. The winner of this battle could decide the outcome of the match.
Players to Watch
John Terry’s stock has fallen over the past few years and his lack of pace was exposed again at the World Cup. Yet his leadership and bravery cannot be faulted and it would be foolish to write him off just yet. He has a point to prove. Florent Malouda was the biggest revelation for Chelsea last year and Ancelotti needs the Frenchman to continue that form.
United fans know what to expect from central figures like Rooney, Vidic and Ryan Giggs but all eyes will be on Berbatov, who simply must raise his game. Ferguson desperately needs the Bulgarian to be a regular scorer alongside Rooney. Youngster Rafael is another who, if he gets the nod, must convince his manager he can fill Gary Neville’s boots.
Match prediction
The Community Shield tends to be tight and cagey – the last three have been settled on penalties. This one could well go the same way, particularly if difference makers Drogba and Rooney unlikely to put in long shifts. Expect to see a 1-1 draw followed by a United victory in the shootout. These two teams will be hard to separate throughout the season.
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