DStv and GOtv can look forward to the English season’s traditional season-opening fixture, the FA Community Shield, which sees FA Cup champions Leicester City face Premier League champions Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium in London on the evening of Saturday, 7 August 2021 on SuperSport Premier League (DStv channel 203) and SupertSport Football (DStv channel 205 & GOtv channel 31).
Manchester City, following their UEFA Champions League disappointment at the back end of last season, will be looking to make a major statement of intent in this clash, though Leicester City are a rising force and their FA Cup triumph could be a foundation upon which they build a powerful, title-contending team.
“It’s an honour to be involved in a game like this and to play at Wembley again,” said Man City Manager Pep Guardiola. “It is a chance for us to test ourselves against a fantastic team like Leicester City.”
Foxes goalkeeper and captain Kasper Schmeichel hopes to see his side continue their progress: “The club just keeps progressing and that’s part of the appeal of Leicester City. Why I love being here is because we’re a club which is in constant evolution. We’re always trying to get better.”
Key players
Yoeri Tielemans – The Belgian midfielder scored the stunning goal that won the FA Cup final back in May. His energy, passing and leadership in the middle of the park will be a key feature of Leicester’s play as they look to upset the reigning English champions.
Phil Foden – The attacking midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2020-21 and will be looking to take his game to an even higher level this season. A statement performance against the Foxes would be the perfect start for the 21-year-old prodigy.
Head-to-head stats
In head-to-head stats, Man City and Leicester have met in 122 matches across all competitions since 1895. The Citizens have claimed 62 wins compared to 31 for the Foxes, while 29 games have been drawn.
The teams’ two Premier League meetings last season both produced away wins: Leicester stunned Man City 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium in September 2020, but the Citizens claimed revenge with a 2-0 triumph at the King Power Stadium in April – courtesy of goals from Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus.
Battles to watch
Jamie Vardy vs Ruben Dias
Dias enjoyed a brilliant first season with Man City and established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, but he’ll be in for a tough 90 minutes against the relentless and aggravating Jamie Vardy.
Wilfred Ndidi vs Ilkay Gundogan
Leicester’s Nigerian holding midfielder is one of the best in his position in the world, and he will be eager to quell the threat offered by Man City’s German dynamo Ilkay Gundogan, who enjoyed his best season in the light blue shirt last term.
Riyad Mahrez vs Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand is a canny signing for the left-back position with the Foxes, and his first major assignment will be a true test of his defensive skills, as he comes up against the trickery and intelligence of Algerian star Riyad Mahrez.
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