The traditional curtain raiser for the English football season, the Community Shield, sees the Premier League’s top-two go head to head as Manchester City and Liverpool clash at Wembley.
Pep Guardiola’s City come into the game after claiming the domestic treble, but they were denied Champions League glory which went to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
And both managers are taking the game serious and Klopp is taking the game serious.
“They tell me the English phrase for this game is ‘curtain raiser’ and it’s some game to do that with. The games we played against each other in recent seasons have been of outstanding quality and outstandingly competitive,” said Klopp.
“I think I’ve spoken many times about the respect and admiration for Man City and Pep. What they do there – wow. Honestly, as a football supporter, I love how they play. As a coach I can only admire. But we have our own qualities and I think we’ve shown we’re not bad. Yeah, cool game, two sets of unbelievably talented players who play the game in the best way possible. Nothing not to like.”
And Guardiola is quick to insist that people in England should take the game more serious.
“In Spain and Germany it’s important. We have won two titles this season and have three to play (for) but everyone says one.
“Why play if it doesn’t count? We could have longer holidays.”
See below for a preview on the game, including predictions from former England, Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder Andy Gray and our own Football Insider Graeme Bailey and bet365’s Steve Freeth.
Manchester City 15:00 Liverpool
Wembley Stadium
TEAM NEWS: Manchester City don’t have too many injuries ahead of the game but left-back Benjamin Mendy is unlikely to feature.
Nathaniel Clyne is a long-term absentee for Liverpool, but they should have Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri. Sadio Mane is not available as he does not return to training until Monday.
KEY FACT: This is the first official season and so the first game proper that has VAR
MATCH ODDS: Man City 10/11 Draw 11/4 Liverpool 14/5
bet365 Pick: Under 2.5 goals @11/10
ANDY SAYS: I see this being a high scoring game and I just give City the edge…3-2
GRAEME SAYS: For me I see Liverpool throwing down the gauntlet with a victory…0-2
Football Index – One to follow: Raheem Sterling – One of the best in the world, and still real value left here
