As always, the Community Shield will be billed as a “friendly” match but there’s not likely to be very much friendship shown on the pitch this afternoon. These two sides will almost certainly be contesting the title again this season and neither will want the other to get one over on them at any stage of the season – starting now.

Just how seriously the two managers will be taking this one is likely to be shown in their starting line-ups and I expect nothing less than full strength from both to start with although predicting what this is in the case of Manchester United is as tricky as ever.

United took part in an open training session at Old Trafford and just about everyone apart from the long-term injured took part including Evra and Carrick (who suffered an ankle injury against the Irish XI during the week and was expected to be out for a fortnight as a result).

Chelsea have been uncharacteristically quiet in the transfer market this summer and so there are unlikely to be many surprises about who turns out for them so expect the usual suspects although it might see a return to action for Essien who, given his injury problems last season, could be like a new signing for them.

As for the match itself, I expect the usual feisty encounter but I do actually think there’ll be goals in this one today. Chelsea were scoring for fun towards the end of last season and we have plenty of attacking options and plenty of goalscorers. It is quite ironic that the player who hasn’t been banging them in for club or country for quite a while is actually Wayne Rooney! This is the type of match that should bring out the best in him though.

As usual, not the kind of match to get too heavily involved with from a betting point of view but I think a small bet on the OVER market might be worthwhile.

The bet is going to be 2 points OVER 2.5 goals @ 2.29 with Canbet.

Review to follow…