The 88th Community Shield Final: Chelsea vs Manchester United

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

Is there be a better way to start the season than a final between Chelsea and Manchester United? 

The Community Shield is not the most important trophy in England, but neither Chelsea or Manchester United want to lose the fierce battle. It’s an opportunity to see if the teams are prepared for the intense 2010/11 season which they are favourites to win the league title. Furthermore, it is a stage for young players to shine and make their name. It’s the only final which I know where teams can make up to 6 substituitions.

The 88th final is a repeat of last year’s final which the Premier League and FA Cup champions Chelsea won by penalties. Neither side have their squads at full strengths due to injuries and key players starting the pre-season late due to the World Cup. The regular stars may not feature tomorrow but it’s the perfect match to kick off the season. 

Chelsea News

Chelsea are not undergoing a brilliant pre-season, they’ve lost their last 4 friendlies and have not yet found the 2009/10 winning form. However, it’s better to make mistakes in the pre-season then in a final against rivals Manchester United.

The league champions are without their number one keeper Petr Cech for the start of the season. This is a huge blow for the team and Hilario has been confirmed as his replacement. The other injured players are two defensive units: Bosingwa and Alex. Dider Drogba and Carvalho may not feature tomorrow as he is not fully fit.

Only one of the two summer signings could feature in the final, Benayoun will be on the bench whilst Ramires is not yet fit. It’s common in the Community Shield that clubs introduce their young stars into the game and it won’t be a surprise to see Bruma, Kakuta, Sinclair and Matic featuring in the match

Manchester United News

Despite Manchester United being without Ferdinand, Rafael, Fabio, Evra, Carrick, Obertan and Anderson; new Mexican signing Javier Hernandez “Chicharito” will be one to look out. The young striker has been shining throughout the pre-season in which United won the last three matches scoring 14 goals in total. However, the 88th Community Shield final is their first challenging match of the season.

Alex Ferguson has not confirmed his starting 11 but stated Michael Owen and Rooney will play one of the halves. Owen is making his return after fully recovering from his injury sustained in the League Cup final. New signing Cris Smalling could play in his first official match alongside young guns Macheda and Cleverley.

Line-Ups

Confirmed Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Hilario; Paulo Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry ©, Ashley Cole, Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Kalou, Anelke, Malouda

Potential United XI (4-2-2): Van der Sar; Neville ©, Vidic, Evans, O'Shea; Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani; Owen, Hernandez

Prediction

Chelsea 1 - 2 Manchester United, Chelsea are not in their top form and Carlo Ancelotti has told the press that his team is not yet ready for the new season. Both team are undergoing World Cup hangovers and will be missing key players. However, United have the quality, options, fitness and form to defeat Chelsea. It’s going to be a close match which could be resolved in a penalty shoot-out, this has happened for the past 3 years.

Chelsea vs Manchester United kicks off at 15:00PM (BST), will you be watching?

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