The Premier League season is very nearly upon us. On Sunday the inaugural season opener, the Community Shield takes center stage as Premier League Champions Chelsea square off against FA Cup winners Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.
The season's first piece of silverware is on offer as Arsenal and Chelsea renew a rivalry that may well be the start of a battle between the two teams that lasts the whole season.
Arsenal have been in impressive form during the pre-season with victories in Asia and at home in London seeing Arsene Wenger's men lift the Barclays Asia Trophy and the Emirates Cup.
Wenger will be hoping that by not making many signings during the post-season, consistency will be key to his side's success next term.
They key to that consistency could be Arsenal's signing of Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech from Sunday's opponents Chelsea, who Blues captain John Terry said could gain Arsenal as many as 15 extra points next season.
Arsenal, after their FA Cup victory and Champions League qualification last season, are looking to make the step up to being major contenders for the league title this season and a victory on Sunday could be the confidence booster the Gunners need to go on and seal their first Premier League trophy in eleven years.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has complimented his Arsenal counterpart Wenger on his squad, saying "It's a fantastic squad with good players, fantastic goalkeeper, they are more than ready to to be title contenders."
Mourinho will have his mind on his own team on Sunday, however, and will not want to start the season off badly against rival Wenger, who he has been involved in a war of.words with ever since returning to the Premier League in 2013.
Mourinho may have to shuffle his side as key players Gary Cahill and Diego Costa are doubtful for the match after being injured against Barcelona in the Blues' previous fixture.
Sunday may see Colombian Radamel Falcao start for the first time for his new side after agreeing a loan move from parent club Monaco.
Mourinho is unlikely to rest key players as, despite Sunday's game officially being considered a friendly match, with silverware on offer the Portuguese will push his side to win.
Who ever leaves Wembley victorious will carry the momentum into next weekend's Premier League kick-off.
The Community Shield this year has an extra importance as the battle for the famous shield looks ever more likely to become a precursor to the fight for the Premier League title.
When: Sunday 2nd August
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 15:00 BST
Live Stream: Live Soccer TV FoxSoccer2Go
TV: Fox Sports 1
Prediction: Arsenal look more prepared for the season than Chelsea at the moment and may well upset the Premier League Champions to retain the Community Shield.
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