The FA Community Shield 2012 VMC Preview

And so the close season came to pass. Chelsea spent heavily, City not a penny. Chelsea played poorly, City played well. As intriguing a Community Shield as we've seen in recent years...lies in wait. We could well be in for a cracker such is the high calibre of player that will be on display...

Roberto Di Matteo:
'It's certainly going to be a strong (Chelsea) team. The players know a win against Man City would be great and give us the right step into the Premier League.'

Roberto Mancini:
'I am confident with my players because we won the league and also because last year we beat a fantastic team like United. But you do need to improve at every level. We are a young team and we need to get better, every month, every year.'

OUT:
Marko Marin (hamstring)

Who else? Hazard's bizarre media and social networking transfer dalliance over The Stretfords, City and Chelsea early in the summer ultimately led to a move to Stamford Bridge. The 21 year old Belgian certainly talks the talk and has set himself up for big things. It will be interesting to see how all £32,000,000 of him fairs against the meanest, tough tackling defence in England.

OUT:
Micah Richards (ankle)
Gareth Barry (hernia operation)
Mario Balotelli (rested)
David Silva (rested)

DOUBTFUL:
Vincent Kompany (late fitness test -calf)

'El Apache' also known as 'The Nameless One' arguably breathed life into City's title charge last season and has formed a formidable 'Ground Attack' (copyright VMC's Pedmachine) alongside the prolific Sergio Aguero. This will be the first time that Planet Blue has seen Tevez after a full pre-season in which he has looked combative, hungry and in terrific shape. Has the ability with Kun to have any game wrapped up inside 45 minutes.

Head To Head:
League 55 Chelsea Wins, 36 Draws, 43 City Wins
League Cup 1 Chelsea Win, 1 City Win
Other Cup 2 Chelsea Wins
FA Cup 1 Chelsea Win, 2 City Wins
Total: 59 Chelsea Wins, 36 Draws, 46 City Wins

Last Season:
Mo 12 Dec 2011 Chelsea 2 - 1 Man City
We 21 Mar 2012 Man City 2 - 1 Chelsea

Betting:
City 13/10, Chelsea 5/4

TV Coverage: ITV1 HD

FACTS:
From the inception of the Premier League, only 7 of 20 Community /Charity Shield winners went on to win the title. But 4 of the last 5 winners have gone on to win it.

9 teams have played in more than 5 Community / Charity Shields. Only Newcastle with 17% have a lower win percentage than City with 38% and Chelsea 44%.

Record Shield Result: Manchester City 6, West Bromwhich Albion 1 in 1968.

The last 5 Premier League clashes between The Pensioners and The Citizens saw 3 players sent off and 4 penalties converted.

Kevin Friend of Leicestershire 2011-2012 Record Across All Competitions: 33 Games, 120 Yellows, 3 Reds Last Season: Chelsea 1 - 1 Fulham Sunderland 1 - 0 Man City Man City 4 - 0 West Brom Liverpool 4 - 1 Chelsea

Johnny On The Spot: If this were a league game I'd say too close to call but I'm predicting an open game at one of City's favourite venues that holds so many wonderful memories. I think that The Champions fully gelled team will give them the edge over a Chelsea side still finding it's reorganised feet. Chelsea 0 CITY 3

Su 19 Aug 15h00 Southampton, The Etihad, PL
Sa 25 Aug 15h00 Liverpool, Anfield, PL
Sa 01 Sep 17h30 QPR, The Etihad, PL

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