Man City can make trophy statement to Liverpool FC in Community Shield

Jurgen Klopp put it best ahead of this game when he said that the Community Shield is a trophy that matters if you win it and matters less if you don't. Whether you view it as a competitive match or a friendly preparing for bigger competitions probably depends on your take on the result.

Nevertheless, as City and Liverpool have been the two best teams in the country for the past five years a narrative has emerged: Klopp's side have done far better in the Champions League but City have dominated in terms of total trophies by hoovering up as much domestic silverware as they can. That includes the Community Shield, which Guardiola insisted counted when celebrating four trophies in the 2018/19 season.

Liverpool went some way to making inroads last year by claiming the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and victory on Saturday would not only see them win something that their manager hasn't during his time at Anfield but also continue that narrative. However, a City victory would further cement their position as the best in England and likely shorten their odds even more on Premier League success.

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Liam Delap, James McAtee and Kayky have all been available for clubs to loan this summer but all three wanted to go on the pre-season tour with Guardiola as they try to decide what the best option is for them this season. None of the three managed to make a significant impression in the two games, and this is the last opportunity to impress before the Premier League starts up again.

Guardiola is likely to name a strong team for this match as he prepares for the Premier League season, and the young forwards will have to make the most of any minutes they do get