Imported User:
The last time these two clubs played a meaningful game they both made history. For Chelsea, it was winning their first UEFA Champions League title, defeating Bayern Munich in a memorable epic final which ended in a penalty shootout. Manchester City on the other hand, it came in the form of two minutes stoppage time goals against Queens Park Rangers to secure their first English Premier League title in 44 years.
However, the stage will be quite different on Sunday when Chelsea, who the FA winner and Manchester City meet in the EPL season’s traditional curtain raiser, the Community Shield Cup. Though the traditional venue, Wembley Stadium will be unavailable as it will host the Olympic soccer final tonight, but be rest assured that at Villa Park in Birmingham, the venue of this year’s match, both clubs will desperately want to try to start their seasons off on the right foot.
Manchester City’s roster for 2012-13 league campaign will look much like last season, while Chelsea in the departure of their African precious guys, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa gone and the like of Marko Marin, Eden Hazard and Oscar now in at Stamford Bridge, there would be much to watch out for as to how these two sides will fair this season.
Also of importance is that Man City is coming into the match on the back of their four wins of six preseason friendlies, while the Blues will enter this battle on a three-game losing streak. Losing Drogba, and working with a handful of new signings means Di Matteo’s side may be experiencing some teething problem, and the Blues’ last three matches have certainly shown that.
With Fernando Torres still a big question mark up front for Chelsea, and Manchester City seems to have the edge over the London club in this games.
