FA Community Shield 2018 - 5 players to watch out for

After what has been a las exposition de extraordinaire in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, its time to shift focus tow club football. The English clubs are busy completing the final deals and will hope to rope in a few more players before the August 9 deadline. Unlike others, Chelsea and Manchester City will have to engage in a different battle before the Premier League commences.

The two sides will lock horns in the FA Community Shield, which potentially guarantees an early piece of silverware for either of the two teams. Premier League champions under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola's City will miss the services of Brazilian right-back Danilo while the new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri will also have a tough time getting his starting XI right.

Two of the new faces will be on showcase, with one already being a Premier League star and the other arriving in London after lighting up Italy. Let us have a look at the 5 players who can start the season on a positive note:

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#5 Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)

Hudson-Odoi has grabbed the limelight with his scintillating performance against Arsenal

Callum Hudson-Odoi might not be a very popular name across the Premier League but has made himself a household name in Kolkata, India. Willing to catch a glimpse of Jadon Sancho's dribbling ability or Phil Foden's trickery, thousands of people filled in to witness the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

It was then that fans and supporters alike were enlightened about this special talent: Callum Hudson-Odoi. Coaches and commentators knew that this kid was destined for greatness.

Very recently in a pre-season game against London rivals Arsenal, Hudson-Odoi mesmerized everyone with his pace and skill. Called 'The Flash' for his speed, Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin was humiliated by the 17-year-old kid.

He is expected to start the game for Chelsea and will face a much tougher competition in the form of Kyle Walker. That battle will surely be a treat to watch.

#4 Alvaro Morata (Chelsea)

For Alvaro Morata, it will be a search of redemption

Chelsea had a lot of faith of Alvaro Morata when they signed him from Spanish giants Real Madrid last summer for a hefty fee of around £60 million. However, Morata was stepping into a big Diego Costa shaped hole who had fired Chelsea to two league titles in the previous three years.

Since then, things haven't gone too well for the Spaniard as he lost his place in the national team as well as losing the support of the Chelsea faithful. The Spanish forward is not having a particularly good pre-season as he is yet to find the back of the net in the three games.

Meanwhile, rumours were rife that Chelsea were willing to rope in Gonzalo Higuain to replace the struggling forward. But now that those rumours are put to bed and the Argentine has landed in AC Milan, Morata knows he has the backing of the club.

He needs to repay the faith with some good performances, and what better match can there be than the FA Community Shield?

#3 Leroy Sane (Manchester City)

Overlooked by Low, Sane can show what the Germans missed in the World Cup

Unlike the previous name on this list, Leroy Sane had a pretty good 2017/18 season. In the 49 games for the Manchester club, he found the back of the net 14 times. Despite that, he was shockingly left out of the Germany football team by coach Joachim Low.

The decision turned out to be an absolute disaster as Germany not only failed to qualify for Round of 16 but also ended up rock-bottom in their group.

Sane's omission was seen as a for the Citizens as having not played in the World Cup, the winger is fresh and raring to strike big. Pep has found himself a new winger in Riyad Mahrez and with Raheem Sterling already in the team, Sane knows he will have to prove his mettle all over again.

He is expected to start on the left flank and will have to deal with Chelsea's favourite son, Cesar 'Dave' Azpilicueta.

#2 Jorginho (Chelsea)

Jorginho can rub salt in the wounds of Pep Guardiola

If this list was compiled a month ago, Manchester City would have been written beside Jorginho's name. The Italian 'regista' was very close to joining the Premier League champions when out of nowhere, Chelsea hijacked the deal and Sarri landed his trusted warrior in London.

The deal didn't come cheap as was expected. The Pensioners had to shell out around £57 million for him, but he has impressed all with his pre-season performances so far. Being the only expected CDM in a Chelsea shirt today, Jorginho will have to put in a performance and a half to keep City's skilful attackers at bay.

#1 Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Mahrez was injured in a pre-season game but is expected to start

Riyad Mahrez lit up the Premier League with his extraordinary performances in the 2015-16 season, banking on which Leicester City claimed an unexpected Premier League title. Ever since then, he has been linked with multiple big clubs but the Foxes managed to keep their prized asset safe and secure up until now.

However, Leicester finally granted his wish this summer as the Algerian signed for Pep Guardiola's men. His vast repertoire of skills and tricks is not unknown to the City fans. The only concern for Guardiola is the ankle injury he suffered in the pre-season game against Bayern Munich.

While the latest reports suggest he is fit enough to start the match, Pep might not take a risk at the start of the season.