English football's annual curtain-raiser takes place under the famous arch of Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as rivals Manchester City and Manchester United lock horns for the chance to lift the 102nd Community Shield.
Erik ten Hag's side got their hands on the FA Cup last season, while Pep Guardiola's men celebrated winning their fourth successive Premier League title.
Match preview
Almost 11 weeks have passed since Man United ended the 2023-24 season on a high by beating red-hot favourites Man City 2-1 in the FA Cup final, winning the competition for the 13th time and denying the Citizens a domestic double in the process.
Following a disappointing Premier League campaign, slumping to their lowest-ever finish of eighth place, few envisaged the Red Devils prevailing against their bitter rivals, but an inspired performance ultimately secured silverware for the second successive season under manager Erik ten Hag, who after enduring a lengthy spell of intense scrutiny and speculation about his future has penned a new contract until 2026.
Man United, who will compete in next season's Europa League courtesy of their FA Cup triumph, have ushered in a new era under the guidance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who have restored a sense of positivity at the club and have been active in the summer transfer window - signing Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee with more statement additions expected - as they endeavour to bring back the glory days to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils experienced a mixed pre-season campaign in terms of results, with two wins and three defeats posted from their five friendly fixtures over the summer, most recently concluding their tour of the United States with a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool last Sunday.
While Ten Hag and co are sure to have one eye on their opening Premier League game of the new season at home to Fulham on August 16, Man United must first shift their attention to this weekend's encounter with Man City as they bid to win the Community Shield for a record-extending 22nd time.
Saturday's showpiece event will represent Man United's 31st appearance in the Community Shield and their first since 2016 under former boss Jose Mourinho. The Red Devils have won 21 of their previous 30 finals, including a 3-2 win over Man City back in 2011.
Repeating the remarkable Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble of 2023 proved a step too far for Manchester City last season, but they still managed to make history by becoming the first-ever English top-flight club to win four consecutive titles.
Arsenal pushed the Citizens all the way in the title race, which was taken to the final day, but the reigning champions ultimately prevailed, collecting 91 points and losing just three games across another memorable 38-game season to preserve their place at the summit of English football.
A seventh Premier League crown in eight seasons is firmly in their sights ahead of what could prove to be Pep Guardiola's ninth and final year in charge of the club, but they will first be out for revenge against Man United as they attempt to win their seventh Community Shield on Saturday.
Man City concluded their pre-season tour of the United States on August 3 with a 4-2 victory over Chelsea - coincidently their opponents on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season - with Erling Haaland netting a hat-trick to help the Citizens register their first friendly win after failing to come out on top in previous matches against Celtic, AC Milan and Barcelona.
It has been difficult to read too much into Man City's pre-season due to the absence of several first-team stars, but some of those could make a timely return on Saturday as Guardiola's side seek to avoid losing English football's annual curtain-raiser for the fourth consecutive year; Man United were the last team to lose four Community Shield finals in a row between 1998 and 2001.
Team News
Man City goalkeeper Ederson is a minor doubt after missing the friendly win over Chelsea due to some "niggles", but he has since returned to training this week and could potentially start ahead of Stefan Ortega between the sticks. However, left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand is expected to miss out after coming off with a hamstring problem versus the Blues.
Guardiola has confirmed that Euro 2024 finalists Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones will not be involved at Wembley, as the quartet are due to return to training "next week" after enjoying an extended summer break.
However, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Matheus Nunes and summer signing Savio have all taken part in training this week and are expected to be selected in the matchday squad, while promising youngsters James McAtee and Nico O'Reilly could also be involved.
As for Man United, Leny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are all sidelined with injuries, while Ten Hag has revealed that defensive quartet Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are all doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Jonny Evans was taken off in the friendly loss to Liverpool due to illness, but he should recover in time for Saturday and may link arms in central defence with Lisandro Martinez. The potential absence of Shaw, meanwhile, could see 17-year-old starlet Harry Amass retain his spot at left-back.
Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has taken part in training this week and could be handed his Man United debut, although it remains to be seen whether he will be thrown straight into the starting lineup ahead of Jadon Sancho, who started the last two friendlies as a centre-forward.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne; Bobb, Bernardo, Grealish; Haaland
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
We say: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
Although a glut of goals were scored in friendlies involving both Man United and Man City over the summer, Ten Hag and Guardiola may consider taking a more conservative approach to Saturday's showpiece to avoid any further injury woes ahead of the new season.
Man City have only won six of their previous 15 Community Shield appearances, but they have beaten Man United in seven of their last 10 Manchester derby meetings across all competitions, and we believe they will find a way to come out on top at Wembley.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
body check tags ::
Previews by email
