Wembley us unable to host this year’s game
This summer’s Community Shield is reportedly set to be held at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, with Wembley unable to host the game.
Next season will begin earlier than usual to allow for the interruption caused by the Qatar World Cup, which begins in November. The Community Shield, therefore, is expected to take place on July 31.
Wembley, the traditional venue for the Community Shield, will host the final of the women’s European Championships that weekend, meaning an alternative must be found.
Leicester the frontrunner to host the game
Although Villa Park, Elland Road and the Emirates are all believed to be possibilities, a report by the Daily Mail now claims that Leicester’s King Power is the frontrunner to host the game – though no final decision has been taken.
The FA are said to be mindful of the problems posed by the recent FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Liverpool, where thousands of fans faced the inconvenience of travelling to Wembley on a day there were no direct train services to London from the north west.
First Community Shield to be played away from Wembley in a decade
The Community Shield, which usually sees the Premier League champions face the FA Cup winners, was last contested away from Wembley in 2012.
On that occasion, Wembley was being used for the Olympic Games, meaning Villa Park stepped in to host Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Chelsea.
This year’s FA Cup final will see Chelsea take on Liverpool, who are also vying for the Premier League title with Manchester City. Should Jurgen Klopp’s side win both, they will take on City, who cannot finish below second in the league.
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