The traditional football season opener kicks off on Sunday 8 August 2010 when Chelsea face Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley. The trophy is also known as the Charity Shield as it is used by the Football Association to raise money for good causes and is traditionally played between the winners of the previous season’s Premiership and FA Cup. Chelsea, of course, won both last season and so Premiership runners-up Manchester United will be their opponents. Few teams take it seriously and is regarded as the last of the pre-season friendlies before the season starts properly.
Both teams have one more pre-season match before the Wembley showdown. Chelsea play Hamburg on Wednesday 4 August 2010 and on the same day Manchester United face an Airtricity League XI in Ireland.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea’s biggest departure during the summer has been Joe Cole to Liverpool. Michael Ballack has also left the club for Bayern Leverkusen. Yossi Benayoun has joined Chelsea from Liverpool. Petr Cech is still injured and is unlikely to feature though he could be ready for the Premiership opening the following week. Didier Drogba is also a doubt.
Manchester United Team News
Man United are likely to rest Wayne Rooney for this match but new signing Javier Hermandez, who impressed playing for Mexico during the summer’s World Cup, will probably play. Chris Smalling has also joined from Fulham and could start. Goalkeeper Ben Foster left Manchester United over the summer to join Birmingham City. Anderson, who was already struggling with a knee problem, will not play after his car accident last weekend.
Football Betting Tips for Chelsea vs Manchester United
Football betting odds: The bookmakers have double winners Chelsea favourites to win this match in ninety minutes with 11/8 the best on offer though 13/10 is more common. Most bookies have gone for either 15/8 or 2/1 for a Manchester United win. The top odds for the draw are 12/5 though 9/4 and 11/5 are popular.
History of the Community Shield
The shield dates back to 1899 when it was called the Sheriff of London Charity Shield and was a match between professionals and amateurs. In 1908, it changed to the FA Charity Shield and became a match between the top professional team and the top amateur team (as opposed to teams made up of the top professionals and amateurs). Manchester United were the first winners in the new format, beating Queens Park Rangers after a replay.
The first time it was contested between the Football League and FA Cup winners was in 1921, but the format continued to vary and the amateurs versus professionals game sometimes returned. It changed its name to the Community Shield in 2002.
See also: Who are Favourites to Win the Premiership.
Steve Rogerson - Steve Rogerson is a UK-based writer specialising in television, technology, sports and beer.
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