Community Shield Odds and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
Jose Mourinho once described the Spanish Super Cup (the equivalent to the FA Community Shield) as "the most important friendly and the least important competitive match," and that seems an apt way to sum up this traditional curtain raiser to the new season.
Reigning Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City are the favorites to win in 90 minutes, with the Citizens offered at 6-to-5 (+120) to win Sunday’s match (10 a.m. ET, Fox Sports 1). Arsenal return to Wembley Stadium, the scene of their FA Cup triumph back in May, as the 12-to-5 (+240) underdogs. The draw is offered at 12-to-5 (+240) as well.
Both sides have had productive summers in the transfer markets, with City reinforcing their staggering squad with the likes of Fernando, Willy Caballero and Bacary Sagna, plus a short-term loan move for Frank Lampard. Arsenal replaced Sagna with Mathieu Debuchy and acquired talented youngster Calum Chambers and Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez.
There will be stars aplenty on show then at the home of football and there could well be goals too, with the total set at 2.5 goals (OVER -135).
More attractive though is the price of -110 for City to score two goals or more, a selection that has proved profitable in recent weeks.
This bet has paid out in six of the seven matches they have played in preseason, while Arsenal have failed to keep a clean sheet in their three friendlies played so far, making this an excellent option at a price which would allow punters to practically double their money provided City continue their impressive scoring run.