Not that it counts too much, but Manchester City could win their fifth Community Shield, as they face off their neighbours, Manchester United, on Saturday at iconic Wembley. Although seen by some as nothing more than a pre-season friendly between the Premier League holders and the FA Cup winners, today’s battle will simbolically kickstart the new season in England.##NAJAVA_MECA_8262758####EDITORS_CHOICE##Interestingly, despite three straight Community Shield losses, Pep Guardiola’s side has won the last three Premier League titles.”It’s important, it’s a final against United,” the Manchester City boss said. “But part of that is to try to refine ourselves step by step.”Our break for most of the players and the young players, how they behave on a bigger stage, [this is] a good game.”We will go for it.”Erling Haaland is expected to start, but Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker have all only just returned to training and this clash could come too soon for them.The first silverware of the season is up for grabs 👀Who are you backing to win the #CommunityShield? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/dNQ0EUkt2a— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) August 10, 2024 On the other hand, Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund would surely miss the first game of the season (and many more due to their respective injuries), and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also probably stay out of the game after a knock sustained in pre-season last time out.Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are doubts, while Jonny Evans will hope to have recovered from illness in time.COMMUNITY SHIELDSaturday17.00: (5.00) Man.Utd. (4.20) Man.City (1.65)***odds are subject to change***
