We’ve spoken to the main man Ray Parlour as his former team prepares to take on Manchester City in the Community Shield. We’ve previewed the upcoming clash, surveyed the football odds, and picked out some betting tips based on Parlour’s predictions.
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Community Shield Preview
Many fans consider the Community Shield a throwaway piece of silverware. We disagree. You cannot underestimate the importance of building momentum early and getting one over on your rivals early on. This will be a full-blooded affair between two sides likely to be competing at the top of the Premier League once again this season.
Ray Parlour likes the Gunners’ chances after a strong transfer window:
“The signings are good I think. Naturally, Declan Rice is the eye-catching signing and he will be a big player for Arsenal this season.”
Parlour’s not wrong – at £105m Rice is certainly eye-catching… maybe even eye-watering! But quality costs, and Rice has quality in abundance. His first test? Win a midfield battle against, arguably the best holding midfielder in the world, Rodri. We have seen Rice excel in big games. He looked perfectly at home against France in the World Cup semi-final. He will no doubt bolster Arsenal’s midfield, and this is as good a time as any to put the worries about his price tag to bed.
Arsenal have certainly improved, but you’d have to think City will come out on top if they’re at their best. Talent-wise, no team in England comes close. Parlour thinks it will be a close game but admitted it’s hard to bet against Pep Guardiola’s side.
“This is always a good game, it’s really competitive. I played in a few over the years and you do want to get one over on your rivals. I can see it being a decent game but I think it will go to extra time after a score draw in 90 minutes. There isn’t a lot between the sides and Arsenal may have more motivation to win, but you can never write off the treble winners.”
Latest Man City vs Arsenal Betting Odds
Man City are pre-match favourites to lift the trophy at 1.64, with Arsenal 4.20 underdogs and a draw priced at 3.72. Over 1.5 (1.20) and over 2.5 (1.64) goals are heavily backed, as is both teams to score (1.65).
Erling Haaland is favourite to break the deadlock at 3.40 followed by his teammate Julian Alvarez (5.50) and Gunners centre forward Gabriel Jesus (8.50).
Community Shield Betting Tips
Ray Parlour Top Tip: Draw and both teams to score – 4.75
Parlour’s going with a score draw. There is plenty of attacking talent on show in both teams and the Community Shield is always pretty lively. This bet has landed in three of the previous five Community Shields, and both teams have found the net in four of the last six.
Man City to win 2-1, 3-1, or 4-1 – 3.65
If you like the look of both teams to score but are siding with City, this score combination market might be the pick for you. In the last four meetings between these sides, City have won 4-1, 3-1, 1-0, and 2-1, three of which would have been covered by this bet.
*Odds correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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