Community Shield 2018/2019: Seven key battles that could decide the outcome of the match

#3 Pedro vs Benjamin Mendy

Benjamin Mendy had his first season at Manchester City ruined by injury

If Chelsea are to adopt a counter-attacking pattern and attempt to catch Manchester City on the break, then in the likely absence of Eden Hazard and Willian, Pedro Rodriguez would have a hugely important role to play in Chelsea's attack.

The 31-year-old Spanish international is a quick player, and Sarri would utilize his pace on the wings to exploit Manchester City's high defensive line. Pedro would, however, find a stumbling block in World Cup winner Benjamin Mendy.

The 24-year-old former Monaco player went all the way in the World Cup, and despite players in similar circumstances to him still on an extended break due to their extra exertions, Mendy has returned early to play his way back into the City set-up having had his debut season cut short by a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in September of last year, which also cost him his starting spot at the World Cup.

Benjamin Mendy is a truly modern full-back, combining defensive duties with efficient attacks, with his pin-point crossing abilities one of the key components in Manchester City's early dominance last season, before his unfortunate injury.

Indeed, proof of his effectiveness can be seen in that France coach Didier Deschamps included him in his 23-man squad for the World Cup despite having barely one month of recovery, and lacking match fitness when the list was released.

Pedro is one of the Chelsea players who will be keen to impress Sarri, as competition for places on Chelsea's wings are stiff, but in Mendy, he will come up against a more than formidable opponent.