Community Shield 2011: Manchester United v Manchester City. Who Would You Back?
The Community Shield is set to offer us a glimpse into what the future holds for the Premier League’s two Manchester giants.
The trophy signifies the start of the English season, but more importantly offers these two rivals the chance to set an early marker and establish themselves as the team to beat.
Manchester United has recently found Wembley an unhappy ground, having suffered two crushing defeats at the back end of last season. First to Sunday’s opponents Manchester City, 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final, followed closely by a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League Final.
Since then United have spent millions in the transfer window and enjoyed five consecutive preseason wins, including a 2-1 victory against Barcelona. On Sunday at Wembley, United stand as slight favourites to collect a 19th Community Shield at 5/4 with Bwin Betting.
City meanwhile have endured a mixed preseason. First Mario Balotelli’s suffered a severe public dressing down by manager, Roberto Mancini, after an he failed with an attempted back heel against LA Galaxy. This was quickly followed by Captain Carlos Tevez reaffirming that he intends to leave Eastlands. As it stands Real Madrid are at 2/1 with Skybet to sign the Argentine, whilst Inter Milan are 4/11 with Skybet, the outsiders are Malaga 16/1 and Corinthians 18/1 also with Skybet.
City has had some preseason success. The purchases of defenders Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic, coupled with the £40 Million striker Sergio Aguero are a serious statement of intent. City will be looking to win their first Community Shield since 1972 and they are 9/4 with Skybet to repeat their FA Cup semi-final victory.
With a host of attacking options the first goal scorer is wide open.
United have netted 20 goals in their five preseason games. The pick of their forwards are obviously Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez both at 17/4 with Victor Chandler. Michael Owen who is looking to honour his new contract and establish himself at United, has scored three goals this preseason, which includes the winner against Barca on Saturday. The former international is 11/2 with Victor Chandler to strike first. From midfield, the much written about Ryan Giggs is 12/1 with Coral and new signing, flying winger Ashley Young is 8/1 with Betfred to open his United account at Wembley.
City meanwhile will be hoping Edin Dzeko 13/2 and Mario Balotelli 11/2 can offer some relief from the Tevez saga and allow Aguero 11/2 the time needed to settle at the club, all odds from Betfred. Another possible scorer is powerhouse Yaya Toure who at 11/1, has scored on his last two visits to Wembley.
One player who is certain to be at the centre of attention, is the mercurial Italian Balotelli, who is 125/1 to be sent off for fighting with a United player and 80/1 to score then be sent off, both odds supplied by Paddy Power.
The winner of this trophy may well see their odds cut with regards to the Premier League title, but as it stands Manchester United are 9/5 with Paddy Power to collect their 20th title, whilst Manchester City are 4/1 to snatch it from their rivals.
Anthony Lombardi regularly contributes to Soccerlens and you can follow him on Twitter @arlombardi
Topics: English Premier League, Manchester City, Manchester United, Match Reports
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