FOOTBALL: FA COMMUNITY SHIELD, CITY FACES OFF BLUES TOMORROW AT WEMBLEY

4^th August 2018

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Sports news—–

Chelsea v Manchester City preview: Maurizio Sarri makes competitive bow in Community Shield

Maurizio Sarri will make his competitive bow as Chelsea head coach when the Blues take on Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.

The Italian took over from compatriot Antonio Conte last month after nearly wrestling the Serie A title from Juventus with old club Napoli last season.

He could become the first Premier League manager since David Moyes in 2013 – in the same competition – to win a trophy in his first game.

Sarri said: “First of all I’m looking forward to playing at Wembley, because it’s my first time. The match will be very difficult for us.

“I want to win, because it’s very important to have immediately a trophy.”

City manager Pep Guardiola is looking forward to starting a new rivalry with Sarri, and says his style will adapt quickly to the Premier League – having himself struggled with implementing his own style of play before City cruised to the title last season.

Team news

Manchester City summer signing Riyad Mahrez is available after overcoming the ankle injury he sustained last weekend.

Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling are the only players not to return to the group after the World Cup, with Guardiola planning to go on condition over quality.

England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to full Chelsea training this week and could feature, while Willian has now returned from his extended break.

Chelsea are looking to win the Community Shield for the first time since 2009, when they beat Manchester United 4-1 on penalties. They’ve failed to win any of their last four appearances in the Community Shield.

Manchester City last lifted the Community Shield in 2012, defeating this year’s opponents Chelsea 3-2 in a fixture that was played at Villa Park.

This will be the third meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley, with City winning the most recent one in April 2013 (2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final).

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has previously managed on four occasions at Wembley (W3 D1), with all four games coming in a different competition (Champions League in 2011, FA Cup in 2017, League Cup and Premier League in 2018).

Manchester City have won their last two matches at Wembley, both in 2017-18 – beating Spurs 3-1 in April and Arsenal 3-0 in the League Cup final in February. They haven’t won three consecutive matches at Wembley since March 1970.

Chelsea have won 20 matches at Wembley Stadium – only Spurs (32), Man Utd (23), Arsenal (21) have won more times.

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has scored five goals in his last five appearances against Chelsea, including a hat-trick in April 2016.

TRANSFER NEWS

Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally unfollowed Real Madrid on Instagram.

Thibaut Courtois’ agent has urged Chelsea to stop messing about and let the keeper make his dream move to Real Madrid.

Mauricio Pochettino says Spurs are no further forward in their hunt to sign players.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is plotting a £25m move for Croatian defender Domagoj Vida.

Anthony Martial could be staying at Manchester United this season after all.

Alvaro Morata has heaped praise on Chelsea rising star Callum Hudson-Odoi and summer signing Jorginho.

BOXING: GROVES VS SMITH: GEORGE GROVES SAYS WBSS FINAL LOCATION PUTS PRESSURE ON CALLUM SMITH

‘Saint’ feels lack of experience and familiar surroundings will give his challenger problem

George Groves believes the decision to take the World Boxing Super Series final to Saudi Arabia has piled even more pressure on challenger Callum Smith.

The British super-middleweight stars will meet for the Muhammad Ali Trophy at the King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, on September 28, following weeks of speculation.

Groves, who will be defending his WBA ‘Super’ world title and try to add the Ring Magazine belt to his resume, admits he would have preferred to be boxing at home, but believes the occasion and the unusual surroundings will work against Smith

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