Prediction: Manchester United vs Manchester City

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

With the first piece of silverware up for grabs on Saturday afternoon, Manchester bragging rights will also be on the line as United and City meet at Wembley in the Community Shield.

Manchester United

Starting with Manchester United, while the Red Devils might have drastically struggled to find any kind of Premier League stability last season as they limped their way to an eighth-place finish, they did spring a major upset at Wembley on May 25th. Getting their hands on a 13th FA Cup crown as they secured a stunning 2-1 victory against their bitter local rivals, that result was enough to keep Erik ten Hag his spot in the Old Trafford dugout. However, despite setting their sights on mounting a genuine Champions League charge this time around, the former Ajax boss has seen his squad endure a downbeat summer. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Liverpool out in the United States, Manchester United still have plenty of questions to answer.

Team News

While Leny Yoro might have completed a £50million move to Old Trafford this summer, the former Lille defender underwent surgery on a foot injury earlier in the week and is not expected to feature over the next few months. Likewise, suffering a muscle injury while away on pre-season duties this summer, Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund will not feature at Wembley.

Despite continue speculation over a potential move to Fulham, Scotland international Scott McTominay will be included in ten Hag’s squad this weekend. Notching a pre-season strike against Real Betis last weekend, Marcus Rashford will get some minutes under his belt.

Manchester City

As for Manchester City, making more Premier League history last season as they became the first English club to claim four consecutive domestic titles, Pep Guardiola’s men will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off prior to the summer break. Despite suffering FA Cup heartbreak when they travelled to Wembley on May 25th, Pep Guardiola’s men only further underlined their status as the Premier League’s poster boys. Despite relinquishing their maiden European crown last season, the former Barcelona boss saw his squad win all of their final nine top-flight appearances. Signing off their summer preparations with an action-packed 4-2 victory against domestic rivals Chelsea out in Columbus last weekend, the Sky Blues will be looking to make an early statement when they travel to the English capital on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

Watching a potential big-money move to Saudi Arabia collapse this summer, Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson could be forced to settle for a spot on the bench here. While England international Kalvin Phillips looks set for a permanent move away from the Etihad, the former Leeds star could make a rare start this weekend.

Signing off his pre-season preparations with a hat-trick against Chelsea out in the United States, Erling Haaland will spearhead Guardiola’s attack after claiming another Premier League Golden Boot last season. Missing out at EURO 24 this summer, Jack Grealish will play some part at Wembley.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Manchester City met in the FA Cup final on May 25th, the Red Devils collected a 2-1 victory at Wembley.
• The Sky Blues won all of their final nine consecutive Premier League appearances last season.
• Man United recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their final 13 matchups across all competitions last season.
• Striking superstar Erling Haaland recorded 27 goals in his 31 Premier League appearances last season.
• Six of the last seven showdowns between Manchester United and Manchester City have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

With all eyes falling on Wembley this weekend, we could be set for a real treat from north London on Saturday afternoon. Watching Manchester United spring a real FA Cup upset on May 25th as they snatched a famous 2-1 victory in the English capital, City will be desperate to make an immediate response here. It should be noted, with six of the previous seven showdowns between the two Manchester rivals finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster