This is the weekend that football fans around England have had pencilled in their diaries since May. It not only signifies the start of the football season for supporters of the lower league clubs, it also signals that the Premier League is only one week away. And, as in every season since its inception in 1908, the season kicks off with the FA Community Shield.
For those of you unfamiliar with the game itself, it is a game between the previous seasons winners of the League and the FA Cup, which this season just so happens to be Manchester United and Manchester City. In recent history, the Community Shield has been less hotly contested than it was in the past, with it being referred to as a ‘glorified friendly’ by the BBC’s Mark Lawrenson. Teams in the Premier League era have used the showpiece as a chance to blood in new signings, give people a run out who may need that extra bit of match fitness before the big kickoff, but this season is likely to bit a bit different. If you ask any fan of one of the two Manchester clubs, they will tell you there is no such thing as a friendly Manchester derby.
Manchester United, who last year won the league title for the record breaking 19th time on the clubs vast and illustrious history, will be looking at inflicting a little bit of revenge on Manchester City. City knocked their red neighbours out of the FA Cup in the Semi Final at Wembley. Sir Alex Ferguson will likely give the world its first look at two of his three new signings with David De Gea and Ashley Young likely to start for the team from Old Trafford. He could also throw youngster Tom Cleverley into the fray, who has impressed during pre-season after his season long loan spell at Wigan last season. With Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez ruled out through injury, its likely that Dimitar Berbatov will partner Wayne Rooney up front, but don’t be surprised if Danny Welbeck plays some part in the game, as he has also impressed during pre-season for United.
The country will have to wait to see the debut of talented Argentinian striker, Sergio Aguero, who is likely to start from the bench. The team from Eastlands will also be without want-away striker Carlos Tevez, who has been given some extra time to tuck his bottom lip in as he tries to sulk his way out of England. City look likely though to give debut to French left-back Gael Clichy, the latest player to abandon the sinking ship that is known as Arsenal, and join the revolution at the Etihad Stadium. The blues will likely start with a front three of Dzeko, Balotelli and the brilliant David Silva, who will all be looking to give their supporters the chance to start the season with bragging rights over their city neighbours.
Last year, Manchester United’s Mexican superstar Javier Hernadez, who was a relative unknown at the time, announced his arrival on the English stage with a goal against Chelsea. So who will use this game to announce their arrival this time round? Could it be ‘Kun’ Aguero, coming of the bench to score the winner for Manchester City? Could it be Ashley Young curling one into the top corner of Joe Harts net for Manchester United? or could it be David de Gea saving a penalty to see United lift the Community Shield for a record 19th time? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, when the two teams from Manchester come to town, there will always be fireworks.