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For many years the community shield provided the perfect curtain raiser before the premier league kicks off . This season , the scene is no different as two of the modern day arch rivals Chelsea and Manchester United lock horns to prove their supremacy and gain the psychological edge over the other even before the league starts . It is also a golden chance for the two teams to add a silverware at the very beginning of the season and kick start their dreams of becoming the champions of England and Europe . But like the previous season , this one too would no doubt be a feisty encounter and laden with attacking flair .
manchester-chelsea
Both sides very well know that this one off match is nothing more than a glorious pre season friendly . But the match will provide the squads a feel of the match atmosphere which they would be witness to week after week . The mind games have already begun with Ferguson declaring Chelsea as their main threat for domestic supremacy and issuing a rallying call to his team ahead of the encounter at Wembley . Carlo Ancelotti has meanwhile declared that winning the treble would be one of his ambitions this season having already achieved the double last season . He further rubbished claims from many quarters about his ageing team reiterating the fact that his team is definitely old but gold .
The match would be a great opportunity for both sets of coaches to test their summer signings and Chelsea would be looking forward to Yossi Benayoun and Ramirez , both of whom might get a substitutes call as they are not on the starting XI . Chelsea would further welcome the return of their engine ,Michael Essien . He has been in terrific form in the preseason friendlies and it is a welcome relief to ancelotti who desperately needs to fill the void left by Deco and Michael Ballack . Drogba would be starting on the bench with Anelka as the lone striker .
Manchester united have lie Chelsea not been very active in the transfer market . Their marquee signing of Javier Hernandes looks very promising and his form in the pre season friendlies is surely making him a man to watch out for this season . Michael Owen has been given a fresh lease of life and he would be desperate to prove appoint tonight . With Antonio Valencia , Nemanja Vidic and Rooney all set to play some part in the match , the pre match signs look very even .
The premier league season will start within a week and the entire footballing world would again start supporting their favourite teams and rooting endlessly for them. Lets hope that the curtain raiser for the league provides ample excitement and great play , thus ensuring that the league would be a one to watch out for .
