For the second time within three months, Manchester City and Manchester United lock horns at Wembley Stadium as they contend the season’s curtain-raiser, the Community Shield 2024, on Saturday. The Manchester rivals squared up at the national stadium back in May and United ran out shock 2-1 winners in the FA Cup final, denying Premier League winners City a domestic double. With pre-season now behind both teams and teams likely to be rotated, an intriguing contest could be on the cards this weekend.
Community Shield 2024: New Noisy Neighbours
City will not have fond memories of their most recent meeting with United. The Citizens were rightfully beaten 2-1 by their rivals at Wembley in May’s FA Cup final and that was their last competitive contest of the season. Plenty has happened since then with a jam-packed summer featuring both the Euros and the Copa America and Pep Guardiola’s team will be out for revenge on Sunday.
It is of course worth remembering that City were nowhere near the best in that FA Cup final, having been celebrating their Premier League title success beforehand. But there is every chance they could be sub-par again this weekend with key players missing again. Key midfielder Rodri is likely to miss out after a busy summer for Spain and the same applies to Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones, who helped England reach the Euro 2024 final.
United also have key absences with Rasmus Hojlund and summer signing Leny Yoro among their absentees, but a game in which both teams are weakened arguably increases the chance of an upset. City have traditionally struggled in the Community Shield, losing it in each of the last three seasons, while they have failed to win in 90 minutes in their last four appearances in the match. They have not lifted it since 2018 and United look a great Draw No Bet selection at 3.40.
Community Shield 2024: Goals Galore
Each of the last three Community Shields have featured City and the last two have also seen both teams score, which is enticing at 1.53 and even better when combined with over 2.5 goals at 1.72. With both squads rotating personnel, there will be plenty of players with a point to prove and the rivalry alone should ensure this is not a dead-rubber. Pre-season results should be taken with a pinch of salt, but City’s four friendlies this summer have produced a total of 22 goals, so expect a high-scoring clash at Wembley.
Community Shield 2024: Bouncing Bobb
The fact Erling Haaland did not feature at an international tournament this summer means he is highly likely to start up top in this game, but Oscar Bobb could be the better anytime goalscorer pick for City at 2.85. Bobb has been playing on the right side of City’s attack in pre-season and has bagged two goals in four appearance. With Julian Alvarez likely to leave, Bobb could be a more important player for the Citizens this term and he can make his mark at Wembley.
Community Shield 2024 Recommendations
Both Teams to Score @ 1.53 with kwiff
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.72 with kwiff
Oscar Bobb to score @ 2.85 with kwiff
Man Utd Draw No Bet @ 3.4o with kwiff
By Adrian Mills
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