Community Shield Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester United

Chelsea and Manchester United meet in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday hoping to collect silverware in their first game of the season.

The Blues secured their first ever Double last season when an emphatic 8-0 win over Wigan Athletic won them the league title for the first time in four years, before a 1-0 victory against Portsmouth at Wembley saw them win the FA Cup for the second successive year.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be looking to emulate their achievements of the season before last, when they won the Premier League to complete a hat-trick of titles. Last season saw them win the League Cup and finish runners-up to Chelsea in the Premier League, so they will be determined to go at least one better than that. Their task may prove to be more difficult this season, though, as rivals Manchester City have strengthened over the summer and are ready to launch a genuine title challenge.

Both sides have had an indifferent run-up to the new season with players joining up at different times due to their World Cup commitments, but both Carlo Ancelotti and Ferguson have added new players to their squads.

Chelsea have brought in Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool for a fee believed to be in the region of £6 million, and are expected to complete the £18m signing of Benfica’s Ramires in the next few days, while United have signed youngsters Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez for undisclosed fees.

Ancelotti’s side has had a poor pre-season results wise. A 1-0 win over Crystal Palace has been followed up by three consecutive defeats away to Ajax, Frankfurt and Hamburg, prompting criticism of Ross Turnbull, Hilario and John Terry for defensive errors made in these games.

Manchester United began their pre-season with a tour of America where they beat Celtic, Philadelphia Union and the MLS All-Stars, but losses to Kansas City Wizards and Guadalajara prevented them from leaving the States unbeaten. A 7-1 win over a League of Ireland XI in midweek sends the Red Devils into Sunday’s clash on form and they will be looking to get one over on the Blues, who beat them on penalties at Wembley in last season’s Community Shield.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Petr Cech will miss the start of the season with a calf injury so Hilario will take his place ahead of Ross Turnbull.

Didier Drogba has to settle for a place on the bench, while Alex (calf) and Jose Boswingwa (knee) are ruled out.

Carlo Ancelotti has named his starting line-up and has stuck with the same 10 outfield players who began the 2-1 loss to Hamburg on Wednesday.

Confirmed starting XI: Hilario; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Kalou, Anelka, Malouda.

Manchester United

England captain Rio Ferdinand is again missing with the knee injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

Brazilian duo Rafael da Silva and Fabio da Silva will also miss the game through illness, while Michael Carrick (ankle) has been ruled out for the first two weeks of the season.

Sir Alex, who has confirmed that Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney will play 45 minutes each, has given Patrice Evra an extra week off following his exploits with France at the World Cup.

Possible starting XI: Van der Sar; Neville, Vidic, Evans, O’Shea; Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Park; Owen, Berbatov.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea

Didier Drogba will undoubtedly play a major role for the Blues this season, and could make the difference this Sunday once again - as he has done so often. The Ivorian enjoyed his best season at Stamford Bridge last season, netting 37 times throughout the campaign on his way to winning the Premier League Golden Boot. Although the Ivorian is starting on the bench, don’t put it past him to be the match-winner.

Manchester United

The Red Devils’ key man against Chelsea could be new signing Javier Hernandez. The 22-year-old starred for Mexico at this summer’s World Cup and has already caught the eye of the United faithful, scoring on his debut after coming on as a substitute against the MLS All-Stars. Sir Alex has a tendency to start the players who did so well for him in the previous season in these kind of games, but the Mexican will be desperate to make an impact if called upon from the bench.

Manchester United And Chelsea To Play On Wembley's New Artificial Pitch

Everyone seems to think Desso is the answer, and when Chelsea and Manchester United contest Sunday's Community Shield the first evidence will be provided of whether artificial fibres can finally solve Wembley's terrible pitch problems.

At a cost of no less than £250,000 and probably closer to twice that amount the Football Association last month turned to a system that employs 20 million artificial fibres to support Wembley's natural grass, having previously relaid the surface an embarrassing 11 times. Every player who experienced it has criticised a surface that Michael Owen, who should feature for United on Sunday, believes caused the ruptured hamstring he suffered in February's Carling Cup.

Yet as Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among clubs that use Desso all Premier League footballers happily perform on the surface each week. Helga Webers, a spokeswoman for the company, said: "The system is a proven solution. All Premier League players are used to it as it has been in place already at Arsenal [2006], Liverpool [2001], Tottenham [2002], Manchester City [2003], Aston Villa [1997].

"Obviously the Wembley pitch is still a very young pitch. But from day one of the installation of the Desso fibres into the seeded grass the stabilising effect is present," Webers adds. "And the quality of the total pitch will continue to improve as the roots of the natural grass will further entwine with the artificial fibres."

Huddersfield Town's Galpharm Stadium was the first in the world to have the Desso technology installed. "We had it installed in 1997," said Phil Armitage, whose company oversees the surface. "It is very similar to ordinary pitches but Desso pitches do not take divots as easily as so it is hard wearing, which is obviously a very good thing."

The Galpharm, like Wembley, is a multi-functional venue that hosts football, rugby and pop concerts. Armitage said: "With the two sports some years we might have 65 or 70 matches – which is more than twice the 30 home games most clubs have – plus the concerts. It has been very successful indeed."

Armitage said whether Desso is a success at Wembley depends on whether the surface's natural grass is maintained: "I'm no expert but at Wembley isn't there an issue growing the grass? They can use lights to help it I'm sure. But you can't just scoop it out and relay it as it is so expensive. We're having ours relaid next year and it'll cost at least £500,000."

Webers confirms that Wembley's grass will have to grow. "That is important. Therefore we have a special maintenance program in place, together with our [English] partner, the Wembley green-keepers and our own experts," she said.

Beyond Sunday's Community Shield the FA is conscious that the first real test of whether Desso is the answer comes on 10-11 September, when Muse play concerts at the stadium. While the governing body is adopting a watching brief Webers points to the Denver Broncos' Mile High Stadium as evidence that Wembley should have no issues.

"For any concert there the surface will be covered by special plates. The Denver Broncos have had a multi-function stadium since 2001 and have had no problems. Climate conditions can be the biggest challenge for Desso but in Denver they can get a metre of snow. The pitch received the awards for best Professional American Football and Best Professional Soccer Field in 2005."

When England walk out on 12 October for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, a month will have passed since the Muse concerts. If the pitch cuts up and further complaints ensue then the FA will have yet another serious headache. The plan is to use the Desso pitch for the 2018 World Cup, should the bid be won.

Former Chelsea Star Kerry Dixon Still Hopes Blues Can Sign Fernando Torres

Kerry Dixon has spoken of his hope that Chelsea will manage to prise Fernando Torres away from Liverpool, despite the Spanish striker's public statement confirming he will stay at Anfield.

Speaking to Goal.com UK at the Betfair Five Horse Race at Kempton Park, Dixon - Chelsea's second top scorer of all time having hit 193 goals during a nine-year spell at Stamford Bridge - said current leading scorer Didier Drogba needed world-class support as the Blues aim to build on the Premier League and FA Cup double captured in Carlo Ancelotti's first season as boss.

"Didier's 32, and age isn't a factor if you're playing well," Dixon said. "But you can't expect him to score 30 goals every single season. He's had two golden seasons at Chelsea, but I'd love to see another world-class striker - and a young one - at the club.

"I would have thought they'd buy a striker. I hoped it would be Torres. I still haven't given up hope."

Ancelotti has overseen another quiet transfer window, signing just Yossi Benayoun with the Brazilian Ramires - "a good buy," Dixon said - set to join him. But Chelsea's erstwhile striking star believes the comeback of a few Blues stars from injury limits the need to splash the cash.

"The feature of our pre-season has been Michael Essien being fit," he argued, "showing no reaction to his injury. He's like a new £30m player this season. Jose Bosingwa is in the same category."

Dixon also backed Ancelotti's policy of promoting young players and bringing down the squad's average age. "It's great. I wondered what direction the club would go in. It gives them the opportunity to cut that wage bill, but it does mean the youngsters have got to step up to the plate when they're given their opportunity."

The 49-year-old was impressed by Ancelotti's first year in charge and doesn't think that his successes put any more pressure on him going into his sophomore season. "A double in your first year is a hard act to follow and it might seem as if anything less is a failure," he said, "but that's not the case. Chelsea will challenge for every competition they're in, including the Champions League."

Dixon feels they are close to achieving owner Roman Abramovich's major remaining goal. "They just need that little bit of luck to win it," said Dixon. "They've certainly got a squad that's good enough."

As far as their Premier League campaign goes, the eight-time capped England international expects big-spending Manchester City to provide stiff opposition this season.

"I think City will be a threat," he warned. "It will be difficult for all the big names to gel, but they've got the buying power to strengthen in January, any areas that haven't quite come up to scratch. But I still feel ultimately that it will be Chelsea and United fighting it out."

Real Madrid Playmaker Kaka Was On His Way To Chelsea Before Knee Operation

Brazilian playmaker Kaka was reportedly on his way to Chelsea from Real Madrid until a meniscus injury scuttled the transfer.

According to the Spanish Sport newspaper, Kaka, who underwent an operation to repair the cartilage in his knee this week, had been given the green light by Real Madrid to leave.

The paper says that negotiations were held in the “utmost secrecy” between Real Madrid and Chelsea. It claims that Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke with Kaka ’s representatives, and that the player, who is said not be held in the highest regard by Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho, had been persuaded by the Blues to move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea chief Roman Abramovich was said to have offered his Real counterpart Florentino Perez 67 million euros for the player, around the price the La Liga club paid AC Milan for his services last year.

But the apparent deal was wrecked when it was announced that the Brazilian would be out for at least four months injured.

Michael Essien: I'm Fighting Fit For Premier League Season

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is ready to burst out of the blocks and shake off the disappointment from last season's injury nightmare.

Essien, 27, missed the Africa Cup of Nations, World Cup 2010 and most of his club's campaign after damaging ligaments in his knee.

Despite the Blues' charge to Premier League and FA Cup success, his tenacious presence was missed as they crashed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Speaking to the official Chelsea magazine, the Ghana international was in upbeat mood as he looked forward to the challenges ahead.

"I've had a few months that have been very difficult," explained Essien.

"But it was good to be back with the team at the start of pre-season and I'm looking forward to the new season. Fortunately I'm the type of person who takes everything as it comes and very calmly, and that's what I've been doing through my rehabilitation."

Ancelotti Stands Firm Over Cole

Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his position that Ashley Cole is not for sale at any price.

England left back Cole has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, where he would link up once again with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

There has been no word from Cole on the subject, but Ancelotti has been steadfast in his assessment that Chelsea will not consider selling the defender and he has no plans to talk to the 29-year-old.

"I don't need to speak with Ashley Cole," the Italian said. "I read that Ashley Cole wants to leave. My answer was I want Ashley Cole to stay at Chelsea because he's a fantastic player and there is no price for which to sell him."

Ancelotti also scoffed at suggestions there are comparisons with Cole and his namesake Joe Cole who joined Liverpool on a free transfer this summer.

"Joe Cole was a financial problem - it was not a technical problem," Ancelotti said. "They didn't achieve an agreement with the club about his salary. This is not the problem of Ashley Cole. Ashley Cole has a contract - I don't know how long his contract is - and you want to respect this."

Ancelotti Rubbishes Coentrao Rumours

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has quashed speculation linking him with a move for Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao.

Rumours continue to circulate about a possible transfer to Real Madrid for Ashley Cole but Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to keep the former Arsenal star at Stamford Bridge.

When asked about the Coentrao rumours, Ancelotti said: "It is not true, totally rubbish."

However, the Blues boss has confirmed that he expects the £18million capture of Benfica's Brazil international Ramires to be sealed shortly, adding: "Ramires is, until now, a Benfica player. When he is here, I can speak about him, not now.

"I don't want to speak about Ramires. When Ramires signs a contract for Chelsea, he will sign. This is the same for other players. I read a lot of names in the newspapers."

Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and Juliano Belletti have all left Chelsea since the end of last season, while the only high-profile arrival has been Yossi Benayoun, and Ancelotti admitted: "For us, after a fantastic season, it was very difficult to change this squad.

"We were totally agreed to maintain this squad. To put some young players in this squad from our academy, this was our aim. After a fantastic season, we could repeat the same season this year with these players.

"I think that the teams that can win the title will be the same as last year, including, obviously, Man City, because they've bought fantastic players."

Carlo Ancelotti Believes Chelsea Can Win The Treble This Season

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a warning to his rivals at home and abroad by claiming he is a better manager a year on from taking over at Chelsea and, as such, can steer the club to the first Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble in their history.

The Italian enjoyed a hugely successful first season at Stamford Bridge, winning the title and the FA Cup, and ahead of the new campaign, which begins with Sunday's Community Shield contest against Manchester United at Wembley, feels sure there is more to come – not only from his squad, but also himself.

"I had doubts last year, when I started, but now I have more knowledge about the team and club and about the atmosphere in England and the teams here and so I think we will start the season in a different situation," said Ancelotti, who had managed in Italy for 14 years before his arrival in England last June, most notably at Milan where he won the Champions League twice and Serie A once. "I think so [that he is a better manager]. Last year was a fantastic experience for me and I have improved because of it."

Being holders will, Ancelotti believes, make retaining the league and FA Cup "more difficult" for Chelsea, but he sees no reason why they cannot. He has also backed his team to end their long pursuit of the Champions League, which last season ended at the first knockout stage with defeat to the eventual winners, Internazionale.

"Last year every player did their best and we want to do the same again," he said. "We plan to be competitive and do better in the Champions League."

Chelsea's preparation for the new campaign has hardly been ideal, with the team having lost their last three pre-season fixtures, most recently Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Hamburg.

Ancelotti is not overly concerned, however, and has instead put the poor run of form down to lack of sharpness among his players, especially those who only returned to the club at end of last month having featured at the World Cup.

To that end, the 51-year-old has broken rank with many of his fellow Premier League managers, in particular Harry Redknapp, by claiming next week's international friendlies can be a benefit ahead of the opening weekend of the season.

"It's not a problem," he insisted. "The players who came back on 26 July need to play more and if they have the possibility then that is good. These games can improve their condition."

One player who looks set to be part of Chelsea's squad when they begin the defence of their title against West Bromwich Albion next Saturday is Ramires. The Brazil midfielder is believed to have passed a medical at the club's Cobham base on Thursday ahead of a £18.3m move from Benfica. The 23-year-old last night described a move to Chelsea as a "proposition that was impossible to reject".

Ancelotti declined to discuss the Ramires transfer and instead focused on the Community Shield, which Chelsea won last season on penalties against United in what was his first competitive match in charge of the Londoners. "For both teams it's an important game," said Ancelotti. "Also, United could again be our most important opponents this season so need to beat them when we can."

Ivanovic: Aiming Even Higher

As the new season arrives, Branislav Ivanovic is hoping he can repeat the form of last year, in whichever position he is selected by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Serbian defender was voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season after his impressive displays at right-back, but it is at the centre of defence where he has featured so far in pre-season alongside John Terry.

Although 'Iva' was withdrawn with a cut eye against Hamburg on Wednesday, he will be fit for Sunday's Community Shield game against Manchester United at Wembley.

Ricardo Carvalho is an experienced alternative should Ancelotti wish to send the former Lokomotiv Moscow man back out wide, though that would be at the expense of Paulo Ferreira who has performed solidly in his two pre-season outings.

Add into the mix the imminent return to fitness Jose Bosingwa, and it is understandable the 26-year-old is taking nothing for granted.

'I don't look at it like a battle. Jose is a fantastic player, he has been injured almost a year and we are waiting for him to be fit again so that he can help the team, that is the most important thing,' Ivanovic said.

'I am here to play wherever the manager says, and for me it is good because I can play in two positions.

'For me last season was a great season, but every season you can do better and I will give my maximum and hope I can give the club more than last season. Every time you win you want to show next year you are better, so we must do that.'

The first test of the new campaign comes on Sunday against Manchester United at Wembley, and while neither side looks to be completely match fit yet, owing to World Cup commitments, Ivanovic is looking forward to the occasion as pre-season comes to an end.
'I feel good, some of us have only just started pre-season which is a very important period. It is the base for a long season, and I feel okay.

'It is always a tough game against Man United, but I think we will be as ready as we can and we need to give our maximum against them. Next season is going to be tough and we will have to be ready for that.'