Can Man City Stamp Authority Over Chelsea In The Community Shield?

English Premier League defending champions, Manchester City, would be looking forward to a brighter start of the 2018/19 season as they square off with a crucial Community Shield fixture with Chelsea at the Wembley Stadium, on Sunday, August 05.

The Citizens, by far the best team in the Premiership, last season, perhaps, have a herculean task to deal with, coming up against newly-appointed Manager Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea.

There is everything to play for in this interesting encounter and connoisseurs and soccer analysts have predicted an all-attacking game from the two sides.

Man City's Manager, Pep Guardiola, would ostensibly, have a good run for his 'tiki-taka' style of play, and the Italian Manager who is also known for his 'Sarri ball' style, would definitely not be intimidated by the former.

The Sky Blues clinched the 2017/18 title in a remarkable style by chalking incredible records, including the most goals scored, most wins and most points attained by a particular team in a calendar season.

Chelsea on the other hand, had quite a disappointing season considering their pedigree as they failed to get a Champions League slot.

The South-West London-based club, in spite of the debacle, managed to win the FA Cup, accounting for Manchester United to guarantee them the opportunity to play in the FA Community Shield.

For Sarri, playing his first competitive game as Chelsea manager, there would be no room for complacency and the expectant teeming fans of the Blues would be keen to see how the Italian shuffles his cards and tactics in the course of the game.

The last time both teams met in the Community Shield was in 2012, and on that occasion, it was Man City who emerged as the victors, beating Chelsea 3-2 at Villa Park to claim the title for the fourth time.

In an interview with the media ahead of the game, the Chelsea acknowledged the fact that the match would be tough, however, they were determined to overcome the odds.