Community Shield Preview (Chelsea F.C. v. Manchester United F.C.)

Taking a non-partisan approach, I have decided to dissect the upcoming Community Shield clash.

GOALKEEPER:
Petr Cech is simply, one of the best keepers in world football. Van der Sar is a top-class keeper, but his recent surgery puts him out of the Community Shield clash. Ben Foster or Tomasz Kuszcak will be asked to fill the void, but none of them is as good as Edwin.

Advantage: Chelsea

DEFENCE:

The Centreback pairings of both clubs are one of the best in football. Chelsea with Terry and Carvalho, Manchester United with Ferdinand and Vidic. As far as the L & R backs go, Chelsea has the edge, with Ashley Cole and Bosingwa possessing the ability to make runs into the attack. Another aspect is how the defences will contain the opposition's attack. Chelsea's physicality in attack will cause more problems to Man U's backline than Man U's will cause to Chelsea. Man U's Speed off the flanks might make up for that.

BREAKING NEWS (Aug 7, 09) Vidic will be out with what is believed to be a Strained Calf.

Advantage: Chelsea


MIDFIELD:

Chelsea's central midfield might not be as technical as other top clubs, but they are one of the Most physical midfields in the Solar System. They have added a wing player in Yuri Zhirkov, which adds an essential facet to Chelsea's midfield. Manchester United has great technical ability in their midfield, with Antonio Valencia, Nani, Giggs, and the occasional Ji-Sung Park. This, in my opinion, is a stalemate, and whoever wins this battle might win the match.

Advatage: Push


ATTACK:

Hate to say this, But Manchester wins this battle. Berbatov and Rooney are a dangerous strikeforce. And with Ronaldo gone, Rooney is the focal point of their attack, and will be hungering to prove himself. Michael Owen had a lights-out preseason, and he is also set to prove that his injury-prone days are behind him. Chelsea have a great front two in Drogba and Anelka, with Sturridge backing up, but Man U have the advantage here.

Advantage: Manchester United

BENCH:

Chelsea has the edge in Substitutes. Proposed subs like Kalou, Sturridge, Deco, Ballack trump what Man U might have in Macheda, Welbeck, even Owen.

Advantage: Chelsea

MANAGER:

Both managers are proven at what they do, winning titles domestic and abroad, But Sir Alex Ferguson's record speaks for itself. He knows the English game better than anyone, and his treasure trove of titles prove that. Ancelotti is coming with a ton of pressure, but the great preseason has helped alleviate that. His first "game that counts" is one for silverware, and a loss will not help him whatsoever.

Advantage: Manchester United


FINAL PREDICTION: Man U 1-1 Chelsea (Goes to P.K.'s)