Manchester City vs Manchester United
The curtain rises on the new English football season with a fierce rivalry as Manchester City faces Manchester United in the 102nd Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Erik ten Hag’s United, fresh off their FA Cup triumph, are aiming to add another trophy to their collection, while Pep Guardiola’s City, the reigning Premier League champions, seek revenge after losing to United in the FA Cup final last season.
Match Preview
Manchester United closed their 2023-24 campaign on a high note by upsetting Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final, securing their 13th title and denying City a domestic double. Despite a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag’s men showed resilience and determination to claim silverware. The Red Devils, now under the new ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, have seen a renewed sense of optimism at Old Trafford, bolstered by the summer signings of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. Pre-season results were mixed, with United winning two and losing three, including a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Manchester City, on the other hand, continued their dominance in the Premier League, clinching their fourth consecutive title last season. However, replicating the treble-winning feat of 2023 proved elusive. Pep Guardiola’s side finished their pre-season with a 4-2 win over Chelsea, with Erling Haaland netting a hat-trick. Despite the absence of key players like Rodri and Phil Foden for the Community Shield, City will be eager to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat in this fixture and add another trophy to their cabinet.
Team News
For Manchester United, Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, and Tyrell Malacia are sidelined, while doubts linger over Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw. Jonny Evans is expected to return, potentially partnering with Lisandro Martinez in defense. Joshua Zirkzee could make his debut.
Manchester City might be without goalkeeper Ederson, who is a minor doubt, but Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and new signing Savio are available. Youngsters James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly might also feature.
Predicted Lineups
- Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne; Bobb, Bernardo, Grealish; Haaland
- Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Prediction
While both teams may adopt a cautious approach to avoid injuries ahead of the new season, Manchester City’s recent dominance in the derby gives them the edge. Expect a closely fought contest, but City’s quality should see them prevail 2-1 over United at Wembley.
