Chelsea v Manchester United
Community Shield, 3pm
The Blues might have slipped to a friendly defeat against Hamburg on Wednesday night, although they are still strong favourites to retain the Community Shield this Sunday. Paddy Power – £20 free bets offer a best price 6/4 that Carlo Ancelotti’s team win this traditional curtain-raiser which takes place between the winner of the Premier League and either the FA Cup winner of the league’s runner-up.
Didier Drogba didn’t start the match in Germany, although it’s likely that the Ivorian will replace Salomon Kalou or Nicolas Anelka for the Wembley showdown, especially as the striker always seems to score at the English national stadium. Sky Bet – £15 free bets offer 11/2 that Drogba opens the scoring, while Frank Lampard is available at 7/1 (Victor Chandler – £50 free bets) to make amends for his penalty miss in last season’s FA Cup final by breaking the deadlock.
It’s been rumoured this week that Manchester United are chasing the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra, although it’s likely to be the Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs show for Sunday’s game, especially with Owen Hargreaves and Anderson unavailable. Bet365 bookmakers go as big as 2/1 that the Red Devils are victorious, although the smart money could be on the draw (12/5 Stan James bookmakers), especially as both teams will be taking things relatively easy.
Wayne Rooney (11/2 Victor Chandler free bet) is likely to get the chance to stretch his legs for the Red Devils, although many supporters will be looking forward to seeing Javier Hernandez take to the pitch. The Mexican was outstanding during the World Cup and he’s 15/2 (bet365 free bet) to torment Patrice Evra again and score the first goal.
The bookies clearly aren’t ruling out the possibility of penalties on Sunday afternoon, with Boylesports free bets offering 5/1 that Chelsea win on spot kicks (as they did last season) and totesport free bets making a United penalty victory a 5/1 chance.
