The 92nd FA Community Shield match will take place between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday August 10, 2014 at Wembley Stadium. The last time the teams met in this tournament was in 1934 when Arsenal enjoyed a 4-0 triumph over the Manchester side.

The game will raise the curtain on another season of Premier League football and is a good chance for both teams to lay down a marker ahead of the new campaign.

The Sky Blues are becoming regulars in this competition and will be making their third appearance in four years while Arsenal will be competing for the first time since their 2005 loss to Chelsea at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

AD

12/1 Arsenal or 8/1 Man City to Win – fixed odds new customer exclusive at Betfair.  Visit Betfair

Arsene Wenger has previously led the Gunners to four Community Shield victories in seven appearances and will keen to add another trophy to the cabinet after their FA Cup triumph in May. That trophy finally brought an end to a nine year spell without any silverware. Victory in this game would give Arsenal their 13th title in this competition – a record only bettered by Manchester United and Liverpool.

City Coach Manuel Pellegrini managed to win the Premier League in his first season in charge and will be expected to continue where he left off. This trophy will not be at the top of their wish-list but a victory could set the tone against a team that will be considered a potential title contender.

Arsenal have added the attacking talent of Alexis Sánchez to their ranks after beating rivals Liverpool to the ex-Barcelona player’s signature. Right-back Mathieu Debuchy has also joined from Newcastle United and Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina has arrived from Nice.

Pellegrini has brought in Willy Caballero, his former goalkeeper at Malaga; Fernando from FC Porto, Bacary Sagna from Community Shield opponents Arsenal and Argentinean midfielder Bruno Zuculini from Racing Club. City’s spending has been relatively low so far as they look to comply with financial fair play rules after receiving a £50m fine from UEFA in May.

The most significant recent meeting between these teams was the 6-3 victory to City at the Etihad Stadium last December. The game marked the start of Arsenals decline from the top of the table and the beginning of City’s rampant assault on the title. Arsenal did manage to salvage some pride with a 1-1 draw in the return home game in March.

Manchester City will be favourites to win and despite this game being viewed by many as a friendly; both teams will be keen to deal an early blow to their rivals. City are available at price of 5/4 and unless Arsenal make any more significant signings, the reigning Premier League Champions should be backed to win.

For added interest, Alexis Sanchez could make his debut for the Gunners and is 7/4 to get on the score sheet.

Leave a Reply