New season, same old City
For the winner, it’s a fairly meaningless trophy. For the loser, it’s just another pre-season friendly. Yep, we all know the Community Shield doesn’t quite cut it but it’s one step closer to the big kick-off!
Liverpool
It still beggars belief that Liverpool amassed 97 points, won 30 games, lost just once, and still didn’t win that coveted league title.
The pain of coming so close was eased somewhat with their sixth European Cup. But as big as winning the Champions League was, and is, everybody knows they’d have preferred the one that continues to elude them.
As good as they were last season, Jurgen Klopp will be mindful of the need to forget about last season and go and prove they can challenge again. Sunday’s game is hardly a yardstick for the upcoming campaign but it’s an opportunity to lay an early marker against their newest rivals.
Man. City
Making history by winning a first-ever domestic treble was a stunning achievement when you think about it. But, like Liverpool, Man City would’ve swapped their trophies for the one that continues to elude them.
For Guardiola and City this term is all about conquering Europe, something Pep hasn’t pulled off since 2011 and, fairly or unfairly, will define his legacy at the Etihad.
That’s not to say City are going to relinquish the chance to equal Man United’s achievement of three successive PL titles. To do so, he’ll need to get the better of the one guy who does have the beating of him, sitting in the opposite dugout.
Betting tip
Taking into account Mane is yet to return from summer duties and Firmino and Salah are still getting up to speed, I can see a more in-shape City side edging it on the day for their sixth Community Shield.
Tip: Serial domestic trophy winners, City, to run out victors in 90 minutes
