This Sunday’s Community Shield in London marks the first competitive action of the 2008/09 soccer season.

Thursday 7th August 2008

In England, the traditional start to the soccer season kicks off this Sunday with Wembley Stadium hosting the Football Association (FA) Community Shield game between Manchester United and Portsmouth. The one-off charity match was first held in 1908 and is traditionally contested between the previous year’s league champions and the winners of the FA Cup. Last year, Manchester United survived a penalty shootout over Chelsea to lift the trophy, which marked the first competitive action of the 2007/08 season. This year’s match marks the first time that a team from outside the ‘big four’ of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have taken part in the match since 1996. Portsmouth surprised many last season by beating Manchester United on their way to lifting the FA Cup following a resounding defeat of lower league opponents Cardiff City. Portsmouth have won the Community Shield twice before, although the last time was in 1949, while Manchester United regularly appears and is the most successful side in the competition with 16 wins. Reflecting this, Bet365.com has Manchester United as 8/13 favourites after 90 minutes while Portsmouth are 5/1. The sportsbetting site is also offering odds of 11/4 that things will be all level at the end of the game but Manchester United is 1/3 favourites to take the trophy home while the south coast club’s odds get even slimmer at 11/4 from Boylesports.com. For those looking for some good odds, Bet365.com are offering 12/1 that Manchester United will win 3-0 after 90 minutes while BetDirect.com is offering 16/1 that the match will be 2-2 at the referee’s final whistle. In addition, Bet365.com is offering 66/1 that Manchester United will win 4-2, followed by 80/1 that the northern team will triumph by five goals to nil.

Source: OnlineCasinoNews