While the importance of the Community Shield trophy is minimal, it’s a curtain-raiser that rivals Arsenal and Chelsea will both be looking to clinch – if simply for bragging rights.
With the new Premier League season’s kick off now less than a week away, Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, is expected to field his strongest XI in preparation for their opening clash against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.
It’s likely that with the English champions’ lack of activity in the transfer market, Mourinho will select a starting line-up identical to the one that secured the title last season.
SEE MORE:
Read the latest Chelsea transfer news!
Arsenal & Chelsea combined XI: Blues outgun Community Shield opponents, Cech gets Courtois revenge
Community Shield team news: Chelsea manager confirms KEY duo FIT for Arsenal clash
We’ve put together the Blues’ potential starting XI for this afternoon’s fixture:
GK – Thibaut Courtois
Despite new competition from recent arrival Asmir Begovic, there’s no doubt that the Belgium stopper is the long-term in between the posts in west London. He’ll have his work cut out against the likes of Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
There are few – if any – better than the Spaniard in England’s top flight. With Filipe Luis recently returning to Atletico Madrid as a result of his dominance in this position, Azpilicueta will be one of the first names on the team sheet.
CB – John Terry
At 34-years-old, the Blues skipper remains the finest centre-back in the Premier League, and Giroud won’t be looking to his battle against Terry and Cahill.
CB – Gary Cahill
There were concerns that the centre-back would be ruled out of today’s clash after appearing to suffer a broken nose against Barcelona in pre-season. However, Mourinho has confirmed that he is fit to start.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic
Recently appointed vice-captain following Petr Cech’s transfer to today’s opponents, and few can question his commitment to the club as he continues to command the right-back position.
COMMENTS