Community Shield - as it happened: Manchester City outclass Chelsea to get season up and running
Re-live all the action from Wembley Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Follow the live action below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
What time does it start?
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.
HALF TIME: Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City
Sergio Aguero's goal separates the two sides, and Pep Guardiola's team have been by far the better side. Chelsea have looked dangerous occasionally in the form of Callum Hudson-Odoi, but are lacking some defensive stability in midfield, despite the new signing of Jorginho. Now, Sarri has his most interesting half-time team talk as Chelsea manager.
So, Manchester City on top in this one, and plenty of promising signs for them, following on from last season but with the addition of Riyad Mahrez and the growing talent of Phil Foden. Chelsea have plenty to think about looking weak in defence and carved open in midfield, but signs of promise from Hudson-Odoi, and even Ross Barkley.
This was to be expected after Sarri's lack of time with his squad, and this will be a good chance for him to see which of these players may become pivotal for his side this season.
Here's the interesting combination of Claudio Bravo and a bouncing ball...
One half-time change to bring you, Leroy Sane picked up a knock in the first half and is replaced as a caution by Ilkay Gundogan
49 mins: Plenty of action at the start of the second half, with both sides having had time to cool off. Benjamin Mendy showing his pace and athleticism getting forward down the left but his cross can't find Aguero
50 mins: SIDE NETTING! Aguero manages to stay onside as he is played through from midfield, he does all the hard work in rounding Caballero, but then hits the side netting. Not often he misses those.
52 mins: Aguero and Foden combine as they did for the opening goal, and the latter gets a shot away, but it's tame and Caballero can gather
54 mins: Azpilicueta crosses in and Walker goes for the safe option and heads out for a corner. Bravo deals well with that one in the air and City break forward, but Mahrez can't get it out of his feet
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments