It's one of those games that both managers are likely to play down. There is nothing much one can read into the result really as it's only a statistic that gives this game importance of some kind. That four of the last five winners have gone on to win the League is the only reason why the winner of tomorrow's Community Shield meeting between United and Chelsea will be viewed in a different light form the loser.
Bar a thrashing, no one can really claim that this 'useless' fixture is anything to go by. Personally, feel its one of those avenues that the FA uses to pocket a pound or two. I mean that the Shield is ranked below the Carling Cup in terms of honours really puts into perspective what's at stake tomorrow---NOTHING!
That said though, we cannot escape from the fact that this will be one of at least three possible meetings with Chelsea this coming season so it's another chance to get one over them. It's always sickening to lose against Chelsea and given the amount of luck they had against us last term, it's time we reverse the trend. It's also a somewhat good opportunity to square up against what ought to be our main rivals in our bid to reclaim our trophy next season.
Granted, United have not done much to improve themselves from last season so Chelsea will go into the match with a relatively stronger squad than ours, but one thing I'm sure of is that our attack seems much more equipped for the long haul this term. We've done well in front of goal in pre-season even without Wayne Ronney so that ought to be a bonus.
Michael Carrick is ruled out of the game and the manager thinks he wont be available for up to two weeks. In fact, I think it's pretty damning how injuries are threatening to get us done even before the season starts. That we head into the season's curtain raiser with 8 injured players--most of whom have injuries sustained pre-World Cup is really astonishing! It almost certainly means that we'll once again spend an entire campaign without necessarily being at full strength because it's unlikely that the ones we have fit will last August and September without picking up knocks.
Sad really! But the faster we get Ando and Hargo, the better for us in the middle of the park.
Chelsea have a couple of short term injuries to deal with. Cech will not take part and Drogba will start on the bench. In fact Carlo Ancellotti had already named his team for the game 48hrs before kick-off, which is testament to the relative clean bill of health he has at his club.
Sir Alex has confirmed that Owen and Rooney will each get 45 minutes. The Da Silva twins are out and so is Patrice Evra which makes it interesting to see how possibly Gary Neville and O'Shea will do on the flanks. Wes Brown might get the nod ahead of the captain though but ultimately, a good performance is what we fans can only ask for as it would slide us nicely into the new season.
Cheers!
Labels: FA COMMUNITY SHEILD
