Only 11 weeks have passed since Manchester City and Manchester United met in the FA Cup final and the Red Devils will be targeting more derby success in the Community Shield on Saturday..
Of course, City were comfortable winners in the two Premier League meetings between the sides last year, but there was no fluke about the victory of Erik ten Hag’s men at Wembley and perhaps United can strike again on their return to a happy hunting ground.
- MAN UNITED TO BEAT MAN CITY
- OVER 3.5 GOALS
- MATEO KOVACIC TO BE SHOWN A CARD
Bet On The Community Shield
Red Devils Look A Good Bet
Man Utd will be hoping for major improvement from last season’s disappointing Premier League performance and there are certainly a few reasons to suggest there may be progress from the FA Cup winners.
The left-hand side of United’s defence was decimated by the absence of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez last term, but that duo should return for Saturday's clash with City.
Joshua Zirkzee looks like a good addition up front and Jadon Sancho is back with a point to prove. Better has to be expected of Marcus Rashford and it’s clear the Red Devils have the talent to cause an under-strength City side problems.
Phil Foden, Rodri, John Stones and Kyle Walker are yet to return to first-team training and are unlikely to be involved for the Citizens this weekend, while rumours around the futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson persist.
United were good value for their 2-1 FA Cup final success of City last season and Ten Hag’s men can show it was no fluke in the Community Shield.
MAN UNITED TO BEAT MAN CITY
Wembley Can Pave The Way To Goals
There have been 30 goals in the last seven matches between City and United and three of those matches have broken the 3.5 mark.
Those high-scoring contests have come in competitive matches and the goal expectancy can be upgraded a little in this Community Shield clash.
City have been fielding a makeshift defence in recent pre-season friendlies, with Walker and Stones unavailable and there will also be no Rodri to protect the backline.
There were 22 goals in City’s four games on their recent tour of America and getting on over 3.5 looks to be a play on Saturday.
OVER 3.5 GOALS
Kovacic Under The Card Spotlight
Without Rodri to anchor the midfield, that role may pass to Mateo Kovacic and the combative Croatian midfielder may see plenty of defensive action.
United have the quality to keep possession at Wembley and, the more of the ball the Red Devils see on Saturday, the more defending, pressing and tackling Kovacic will have to get through.
Therefore, the former Chelsea ace should be backed to pick up a card on Saturday.
MATEO KOVACIC TO BE SHOWN A CARD
