Premier League champions Manchester City face European kings Liverpool in the traditional Wembley curtain-raiser.
The Community Shield is the curtain-raiser of the football season and it features the two best teams of the 2018/19 season.
Manchester City won both the Premier League and the FA Cup, therefore Liverpool have qualified for this game based on their second-placed finish. It will be great to see their rivalry renewed this weekend, with the pair likely to be competing at the very top of the division again.
Manchester City have had another good summer, as they have added key pieces to their squad. Rodri joins from Atlético Madrid, to provide depth in central midfield and competition for Fernandinho. He is excellent in possession and will be a great fit for a Pep Guardiola side.
There are fears that Leroy Sane could be set to leave for Bayern Munich, but City would likely replace the German if that was the case. The current champions have been incredible for the past two seasons. It would be a surprise if they don’t reach those levels again.
Liverpool have yet to make a major summer signing, which has caused concern among their supporters. However, they already have a very talented squad, with last season’s signings Naby Keita and Fabinho likely to be stronger for a year of experience. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also set to return for an entire campaign.
The summer exploits of their front three means that there may be more rotation there at the beginning of the season. Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri should both get minutes in the opening month.
Kick-off time: 16:00 CET
Key facts
Mane is unlikely to feature in any capacity after AFCON duties, so Origi could make up an attacking trio featuring Salah and Firmino.
There should be a debut for Rodri in the middle of the park, with Fernandinho featuring from the bench.
Guardiola is sweating on the fitness of Laporte, while Mahrez is unlikely to feature after AFCON duties.
Who could line up?
Liverpool
Man City
Verdict
Although the Community Shield shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a glorified pre-season friendly to start the season, both teams will be wanting to win. It will set an early marker and provide a mental boost for the winners, with both teams expected to challenge for the league title for a second successive season.
Manchester City may have won the three domestic trophies, but Liverpool triumphed in the Champions League and that will add extra spice to the rivalry. It should be an entertaining game with goals for both sides. Considering Liverpool's poor performance in the pre-season friendlies, it would be a narrow win for Man City.
Liverpool 1-2 Man City