Home of football statistics and historyThe English football season kicks off this weekend with the 2024/25 Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, setting the stage for an exciting betting opportunity. Manchester United and Manchester City face off in a rematch of last season’s FA Cup final, a game that surprised many when United, the underdogs, triumphed 2-1, defying the odds set by bookmakers.
This year, punters are again weighing their options as they consider whether to back the Premier League champions or take a chance on another upset. The Community Shield has been a tricky fixture for Pep Guardiola’s City, with losses in the past three years despite their dominance elsewhere. This could lead some to bet against them, anticipating that their Shield struggles might continue.
For those looking to place their bets, platforms like GoPlay offer a range of markets to capitalize on this high-stakes encounter. Whether you’re backing City to break their recent Shield curse or betting on United to pull off another surprise, the Community Shield is shaping up to be more than just a curtain-raiser—it’s a prime opportunity for smart wagering.
Man United Have a Point to Prove
United’s FA Cup final victory over their local rivals ultimately kept manager Erik ten Hag in a job and he will be desperate to record another success on Saturday.
Ten Hag tactically outwitted Guardiola on that occasion and it will be intriguing to see if he can repeat the trick this time around.
Pre-season has been a mixed bag for United. They were defeated 1-0 by Rosenborg in their first outing before recording a 2-0 victory at Rangers.
United then slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, but bounced back with a 3-2 win over Real Betis. A 3-0 reverse against Liverpool rounded off their pre-season fixtures.
Ten Hag will be mindful that his team must hit the ground running when the season starts and he needs them to produce the goods against City.
Man City Gunning for Revenge at Wembley
Man City went into the FA Cup final as big favourites with the bookmakers to lift the trophy, but they came up short against a fired-up United team.
That result scuppered their hopes of clinching the double and they will be eager to gain some semblance of revenge in the Community Shield.
City have been involved in several entertaining games during pre-season, although results have not been to Guardiola’s liking.
They suffered defeats against Celtic, AC Milan and Barcelona, before finally getting a win on the board with a 4-2 victory over Chelsea.
Guardiola will be eager to use that performance as a springboard to put United to the sword this weekend and head into the season in a buoyant mood.
Recent History Against Man City
As mentioned earlier, City’s recent record in the Community Shield is nothing to write home about.
Their third consecutive Community Shield defeat last season equalled a club record set by Man United in 2001.
Intriguingly, their successes in 2018 and 2019 are the only times in the last ten years that the league champions have triumphed in this fixture.
Man United’s 2-1 victory over Leicester in 2016 was their 21st success in the Community Shield and they will fancy their chances of adding another to their tally.
Man Utd vs Man United Team News
Injuries hit Man United hard last season, scuppering their hopes of mounting a serious challenge for a top four finish in the Premier League.
They have continued in the same vein during pre-season, with Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund sustaining injuries which will keep them out for several weeks.
Manager Erik ten Hag will be desperate to avoid any further issues, particularly with their league season scheduled to start against Fulham on August 16.
By contrast, Man City head into the game with no major injury concerns which should boost their chances of winning the Community Shield.
Guardiola had suggested that Erling Braut Haaland needs to have his minutes managed, but he looked in fine fettle when he bagged a hat-trick against Chelsea.
Rico Lewis and Kalvin Phillips could also feature in the starting XI, while Jack Grealish may be handed the chance to impress after playing a bit-part role last season.
Man United vs Man City Potential Starting XIs
- Man United: Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho.
- Man City: Stefan Ortega, Kyle Walker, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Braut Haaland.
Man United vs Man City Prediction
Given City’s recent record in the Community Shield, it would be foolish to underestimate United’s chances of upsetting the odds this weekend.
The Red Devils deservedly triumphed in the FA Cup final and are capable of matching the feat if their players reproduce the same level of form.
City are generally not fully tuned up at this time of year and United can take advantage by claiming a narrow 2-1 victory on Saturday.
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