Here We Go Again

As the new Premier League season draws ever closer, we will get our first taste of competitive action between two of the top sides in England. Yes, that's right, the Community Shield is upon us, with Manchester City facing Chelsea today at Villa Park. This game is usually seen as a mix between a Pre-Season game, and a game to give some clue as to how the big clubs may do this year.

Another thing that's interesting to see, is just how well the new signings will adapt. In Chelsea's case, this means Eden Hazard and Marko Marin (Oscar being away due to Olympics). From what I have seen of Hazard, I think he will have no problems fitting into the Premier League, although a cold night at the Britannia may be one step too far. However in general, I think that the trickery, and quick footedness of Hazard will be too much for most defenders. As for Marko Marin? Well I think that he also has the necessary attributes to succeed in England. He's another creative player, who loves to get inside and test the 'Keeper. However, where all of the new boys will fit in at the Bridge, is the important question. With Hazard, Oscar and Marin all coming in, and Mata and Ramires at the club to begin with, it's going to be a tough job keeping them all happy.

Well, from the excitement of new signings at Chelsea, to the lack of activity at the Etihad. Yes, City's inability to do any business in this window may have some fans considering their chances of glory with a little more pessimism this year. But, if you ask me, their current squad is still good enough to compete with the new additions at Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal. When you consider that a new, inexperienced team could edge out United last year, surely a more, gelled team, with title experience can make just as good a push this year, and who knows, with 3 weeks to go, they can still improve on this team sufficiently.

There has been plenty of questions as to how the sides could line up tomorrow. Well let's start off by looking at City. Firstly, one thought is that City may start with a back three. We saw Italy use it to start the Euros and several Italian clubs have used a back three in the past couple of years. So has Mancini decided to join the revolution, and bring it to the top of Premier League? Well we may soon find out.

Now for Chelsea, and it seems highly likely that they'll line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This should see the likes of Mata, Ramires, Hazard and Marin contesting to play in the line behind a striker, most likely being Torres. However the big question, is not who'll play, but more how will they play with no Drogba? Personally, I think that although having Drogba benefitted the club hugely, the lack of him can now allow the club to move forward towards a new era, one following on from the Champions League win. If this is to work, then undoubtably, how Fernando Torres plays is going to be a major decider in the success. He now has a chance to kick on at the club, and having ended the season well, and winning the Golden Boot at the Euros, his confidence should be sky high, allowing his Chelsea career to finally reach the highs his Liverpool one did.

So finally, who's going to win it? Well, this is clearly a one that could go either way. The big question is just how seriously will the sides take it? And in my opinion, the new signings of Chelsea will definitely feel they have a point to prove, and a way of forcing themselves into Roberto Di Matteo's starting XI next week. However I'm not ruling out City by any means either. I think that they'll certainly run Chelsea close, but the Blues with they're attacking prowess, will have just too much.