OLD foes Manchester United and Manchester City will renew hostilities when the pair contest the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
The Citizens claimed a record fourth Premier League title in a row last season, defeating West Ham 3-1 on the final day of the campaign to retain their crown.
That means Pep Guardiola’s side have lifted six of the last seven top-flight titles that have been up for grabs, and they will have their sights set on more silverware this season.
After losing 2-1 to Man United in the FA Cup final back in May, City will look to take revenge on their bitter rivals at Wembley this weekend.
Following a dismal Premier League campaign last season that ended with an eighth placed finish, the Red Devils FA Cup heroics saved manager Erik ten Hag’s job.
The Dutchman now faces a make or break third season in charge, so another Wembley success over City on Saturday would be an ideal start to the campaign for everyone connected with the Old Trafford club.
How the bookies view it: City to strike back
Despite coming away empty-handed from each of the last three editions of the Community Shield, Man City are overwhelming 4/7 favourites on Bet 365.
Man United are as big as 7/2 on Bet 365 to topple their neighbours in this capital clash, while the 90 minute draw has been priced up at 15/4 with the same firm.
Head to head: Red Devils aiming for Wembley rerun
As mentioned previously, United claimed top honours from the most recent meeting in May’s FA Cup final. However, City banked maximum points from the two Premier League meetings between the sides last season, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford before earning a 3-1 win at the Etihad.
Players to watch: Haaland to hit the ground running?
After ending last season with 27 Premier League goals, Erling Haaland boasts a remarkable return of 63 goals in 66 top-flight appearances for Man City. The Citizens sharpshooter stands out for an anytime strike at 5/6 (Bet 365) on Saturday afternoon.
FA Cup match-winner Kobbie Mainoo is a lofty 11/1 (Bet 365) to notch on Saturday, while the midfielder also holds plenty of appeal to commit just one foul at 11/10 (Bet 365).
Predicted line-ups
Rasmus Hojlund has been ruled out after suffering an injury during Man United's pre-season tour of the USA, so new arrival Joshua Zirkzee could lead the line in London.
After taking part in the final of Euro 2024, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden and Rodri are not expected to feature in the season’s traditional curtain-raiser.
Man United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Man City: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Bobb, Silva, Grealish; Haaland
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez looks worthy of consideration at 4/5 (Bet 365) to commit just one foul on Saturday afternoon
The Argentine defender plays with a fiery and aggressive style, picking up four yellow cards across his 14 appearances for United last season.
Given the calibre of opposition that Martinez and co will come up against this weekend, a solitary foul looks a nice value option at 4/5 on Bet 365.
This Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City will be played on Aug 10, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
