Current Premier League champions Chelsea are all set to take on the present FA Cup winners Arsenal in a mega clash in the FA Community Shield this Sunday, the 6th of August. The match for the FA Community Shield is played exactly seven days before the inception of the new Premier League season every year as a tradition in English Football, and the reigning FA Cup and Premier League champions have to battle it out to grab this prestigious accolade at the Wembley Stadium.
The FA Community Shield has been won the most times by the current holders of the trophy Manchester United, who have unfortunately finished in the sixth position in the last term and will not be playing in this game. As far as its history is concerned, the Gunners have won the Community Shield 14 times while the Blues have won it only four times so far. The football fraternity will be eagerly waiting to know who can draw first blood.
Both clubs have brought in a number of top class players in the summer transfer window this time and are raring to take on each other in order to bag the first trophy of the season. Three such players who might hold the key to the North London club’s success against their neighbours from the Western part are:
Laurent Koscielny
The French defender and the mainstay in the defence for the Gunners in the current situation, Laurent Koscielny is also expected to stabilise the backline and make it easier for them to lift the trophy once again. The player is one of the finest centre-backs in the Arsenal camp and will be looking to keep the Chelsea players at bay during this clash.
Alexandre Lacazette
The French forward is one of the top signings in the summer for the Gunners and is supposed to give the much-needed impetus in the match against Chelsea next Sunday. The former Lyon player, who is almost confirmed to spearhead the attack along in the Community Shield clash, is expected to play a big role and make it possible for his team to win the prestigious cup for the 15th time.
Granit Xhaka
Xhaka has been in good form of late and has been playing for the team on a regular basis. He, as usual, will be stabilising the midfield and also will have to make sure that the forwards get enough supply of balls from the midfield to score goals and help his side win the trophy.
