MANCHESTER CITy entertain Leicester City in the traditional English curtain-raiser to the new season at Wembley on Saturday evening in the Community Shield…and all eyes could be on £100 million man Jack Grealish.
Pep Guardiola's English champions face Brendan Rodgers' FA Cup winners in a competition that has lost its importance in recent years. However, Man City have still won two of the last three events.
The spotlight will very much be on England favourite Grealish who is expected to play some part at least after he completes his sensational transfer from Aston Villa.
However, the Etihad side will be without some of their Euro 2020 and Copa America stars who reached the final of both tournaments and are on extended leave including the likes of Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Ederson and Kyle Walker, so team sheet knowledge will be essential.
Leicester spent £41 million themselves landing Patson Daka from RB Salzburg and Boubakary Soumare from Lille and also nabbed Ryan Bertrand from Southampton on a free.
But they haven't looked too impressive in pre-season and lost key defender Wesley Fofana to a broken leg in midweek against Villarreal. There is also continued speculation about star player James Maddison.
How the bookies view it
Manchester City would normally be far shorter favourites than the 19/20 they currently sit at with William Hill's. The Foxes can be backed at 3/1, with the draw 53/20 with Tonybet. To lift the trophy, Man City are 1/2 and Leicester are 6/4.
Recent head to heads
It was an away win each last season with Leicester pulling off a shock 5-2 win at the Etihad in April and Manchester City winning 2-0 at the King Power in April.
Players to watch
Ayoze Perez was a bit of a disappointment last season, but managed to score in Leicester's midweek win against Villarreal and will hope to kick on this season. He's 10/3 to score anytime at Wembley with bet365.
Ilkay Gundogan scored a double in City's last friendly when they eased past Blackpool in a 4-1 win and is 21/10 to score at Wembley, where he should be a key man.
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite City's many absences, their so-called fringe players could be competitive in the Premier League and they will still have plenty of key players lining up. They look too big a price to win, especially if they can call on Grealish for a cameo role.
Five of the last six Finals have seen there been under 2.5 goals and neither side are likely to go for it in a match that's become increasingly less important over the years. The 5/4 for under with Unibet looks attractive too.
This Community Shield match between Leicester City and Manchester City will be played on Aug 7, 2021 and kick off at 17:15. Check below for our tipsters best Leicester City vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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