Manchester City will look to exact some measure of revenge over Manchester United in this afternoon’s Community Shield clash.
Pep Guardiola’s side missed out on the double last season when Erik ten Hag’s team defeated them in the FA Cup final.
While the significance of this fixture is often debated, the traditional curtain-raiser for the new season has not been kind to City in recent years.
They have been beaten by Liverpool and Arsenal in the Community Shield.
It will be intriguing to see if City are fully up to speed, considering many of their players had their summers disrupted by Euro 2024 and Copa America.
Meanwhile, United will be keen to win this trophy, even if its importance is sometimes questioned.
Securing the League and FA Cup in successive seasons has undoubtedly been a key factor in Ten Hag’s continued tenure.
Adding another title, even one that is often seen as less significant, could boost confidence as the new season approaches.
Phil Foden, Rodri, John Stones, and Kyle Walker are set to miss out, having not yet returned to training after Euro 2024.
Guardiola confirmed on Friday that they will be back next week.
United, on the other hand, are dealing with injuries to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Maguire, Martinez; Casemiro, Mason Mount, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford.
Subs: Bayindir, Collyer, Eriksen, McTominay, Pellistri, Antony, Garnacho, Sancho, Zirkzee.
Manchester City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias (C), Gvardiol, Kovacic, O’Reilly, McAtee, Bobb, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Carson, Phillips, Ake, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Savinho, Nunes, Kabore
Read more: Pep Guardiola takes aim at Manchester United and Arsenal after £150m in summer spending
Manchester City suffer huge injury blow as key player set to miss Community Shield clash
