Man City, Liverpool Bracing For First Community Shield Showdown

2nd August 2019 - by SPN Correspondent

While the Citizens dominated domestically by winning a treble of Premier League, League Cup and the FA Cup, the Reds picked up the biggest prize of all by claiming the UEFA Champions League

Liverpool's players throw Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp in the air after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 1, 2019. PHOTO | AFP

SUMMARY

The clash sees the revival of the rivalry between the two sides – certainly the top two teams in England, and perhaps all of Europe
In terms of off-season business, City have been the busier of the pair. Manager Pep Guardiola has brought in Angelino from PSV Eindhoven and midfielder Rodri from Atletico Madrid – the latter could be a key acquisition and a longer-term successor to Fernandinho in the middle of the park
In head-to-head terms, City and Liverpool have met in 165 previous matches. The Reds have claimed 79 wins compared to 44 for the Citizens, while 42 games have been drawn

MANCHESTER, England- Manchester City and Liverpool FC will for the first time this season go head-to-head in the Community Shield showdown on Sunday evening.

The clash sees the revival of the rivalry between the two sides – certainly the top two teams in England, and perhaps all of Europe.

While the Citizens dominated domestically by winning a treble of Premier League, League Cup and the FA Cup, the Reds picked up the biggest prize of all by claiming the UEFA Champions League.

“True to our promise to enrich the lives of football supporters and clients, we felt it is important to kick off this new season with a wider broadcast of the anticipated clash,” underlined Eric Odipo, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya, who said the game will air on their GOtv platform.

In terms of off-season business, City have been the busier of the pair. Manager Pep Guardiola has brought in Angelino from PSV Eindhoven and midfielder Rodri from Atletico Madrid – the latter could be a key acquisition and a longer-term successor to Fernandinho in the middle of the park.

Liverpool have been very quiet on the transfer market, they have so far acquired teenage defender Sepp van den Berg who is a star for the future rather than one who will feature strongly in the next couple of years.

Meanwhile, they have released the likes of Alberto Moreno and Daniel Sturridge.

In head-to-head terms, City and Liverpool have met in 165 previous matches. The Reds have claimed 79 wins compared to 44 for the Citizens, while 42 games have been drawn.

This will be the first meeting of the clubs in the Community Shield.

Yet it is the tactical battle between Jurgen Klopp and Guardiola which will be really fascinating for fans all over the globe, with the German looking to enhance and refine his high-pressing style, while the Spaniard will once again bank on flexibility, fluidity and a crisp passing game to keep the team in light blue on top.

Last season, City took four points off ‘Pool in the teams’ two league meetings: a 0-0 draw in October 2018 at Anfield, followed by a 2-1 win for the hosts at the Etihad Stadium in January 2019, featuring goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane.