Community Shield - as it happened: Manchester City outclass Chelsea to get season up and running
Premier League champions Manchester City take on FA Cup winners Chelsea in the annual Community Shield top raise the curtain on the new football campaign, just three weeks after the World Cup brought last season to a conclusion.
With the Premier League set to get underway next weekend, City and Chelsea will play out the traditional fixture at Wembley for the first trophy of the season, although its importance this year has been even more diminished by the absence of many World Cup stars as they enjoy a much-deserved holiday.
City are set to be without a number of players, including star midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, but could hand a full debut to £60m summer signing Riyad Mahrez, while Chelsea are set to feature Jorginho for the first time. Eden Hazard remains an absentee though as he remains on holiday along with the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Michy Batshuayi, N’Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud, while Willian remains AWOL following what he claimed were “passport problems” that delayed his return from Brazil.
Thanks for joining us for the curtain raiser of this season's Premier League. On the basis of that one Manchester City are poised to challenge to retain their title, whilst Maurizio Sarri has plenty to think about ahead of the season.
We'll have all the Premier League action when it finally begins, but first the latest transfer news for Thursday's deadline day drama.
"Manchester City won the Community Shield at Wembley with the kind of confident performance which shows they will not be letting up this season following their 100-point haul last term. Sergio Aguero scored twice and missed other good opportunities as Pep Guardiola's champions proved too good for Maurizio Sarri's new-look Chelsea, playing in a 4-3-3 with Jorginho at the heart of the side."
A Sergio Aguero double enough for City to win this one, and they didn't really need anything more than second gear. Both sides had players missing, but Chelsea looked lacking energy and defensive stability, plenty for new manager Maurizio Sarri to think about, with just days to go until the Premier League begins...
87 mins: As Laporte received treatment we had an unofficial drinks period as the heat is still stifling at Wembley. Back underway now, Bravo recovers with a fingertip save to force a corner, as Barkley and Abraham combine. City desperate to keep this clean sheet
81 mins: As this one draws to a close its Manchester City that seem to have all the energy and attacking intent despite being ahead, and Chelsea suffering in the heat. They are almost three down, but Jesus can only fire at Caballero who saves well
79 mins: Brahim Diaz another youngster looking to make his mark this afternoon, and he rounds Alonso and hits the side netting. A couple of changes to bring you, one from either side:
Aguero OFF, Kompany ON (John Stones pushed into midfield)
74 mins: Foden down injured, possibly with cramp, and it looks as though he is going to make way for Brahim Diaz. He's had a great game, full of energy and he gets a standing ovation from the City fans at Wembley as he makes way
71 mins: The free kick is floated in, and after Luiz heads behind for a corner, Aguero gets his chance for a hat-trick, he kept his shot low but Caballero was equal to it
Manchester City vs Chelsea kicks off at 15:00 BST on Sunday 5 August.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 from 14:00 BST.
Team news
Manchester City without Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling (all holiday), Joe Hart (unpicked), Danilo (injured).
Chelsea without Thibaut Courtois, Gary Cahill, N’Golo Kante, Michy Batshuayi, Olivier Giroud (all holiday), Willian (absent), Cesc Fabregas (injured).
Odds
Manchester City to win: 21/20
Chelsea to win: 13/5
Draw (after 90 minutes): 13/5
(Odds provided by Betfair)
Prediction
Manchester City 2-0 Chelsea: Both sides are expected to field weaker sides, but having not been overly active in the transfer market the players should already have a strong bond together. City’s defence is about as full-strength as it can be that should see them prevail, and with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus fit, they should have no problem finding the back of the net.
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