Community Shield- Manchester City v Chelsea preview and prediction

Manchester City and Chelsea will play the first competitive game of the new English season in the form of the not-so-coveted Community Shield on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini and his men, even after making no transfers in the summer transfer window so far, look like a structured and organised unit with many of the players entering the prime of their respective careers.

They come into this game winning four of their six preseason friendlies and it won’t surprise me if they sail past Chelsea this Saturday.

Yes, Chelsea might have been one of the busiest teams in the transfer window so far, with the likes of Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa leaving the club and promising youngsters like Marko Marin, Eden Hazard and Oscar arriving at the Bridge.

However, City have a better gel between the players, something which Chelsea lack at the moment.

My above statement is quite evident from the fact that Chelsea have lost their last three friendlies and are currently thus, in abysmal form.

However, one still cannot underestimate Roberto Di Matteo and Co. and it will surely be a great game for the football fans.

The last time the two teams faced each other, the Sky Blues ran out two-one winners with Samir Nasri scoring a late winner.

With Wembley Stadium unavailable as it hosts the Olympic final the night before, Villa Park in Birmingham will be the venue for the game.

Some promising youngsters might get to see some playing time from both sides as both the managers might want to rest their star players for a game that is, as stated above, considered not quite an important fixture for the teams.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea

Player to Watch: Eden Hazard

Even though it is not clear currently if Hazard will make his competitive debut for Chelsea in the Community Shield, but if he does, all the eyes will be surely on the Belgium starlet.

The latter is considered as arguably one of the best young players in the world and Chelsea had to beat off competition from Manchester United and City for the signature of the young starlet.

Hence, it will be interesting to see how good an impression will he be able to create on his debut and how will he will transform the play of the Chelsea team.

Time: 13:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m.

TV: ITV (UK), FSC (USA)

Referee: Kevin Friend

What are your predictions for the season's curtain raiser?