Premier League champions Manchester City face FA Cup winners Chelsea in the 2012 FA Community Shield at Villa Park, exclusively live on ITV1.
The traditional curtain-raiser to the new football season features two sides that signed off last season in the most dramatic fashion.
Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City were crowned English champions for the first time in 44 years when they scored twice in stoppage time against QPR to clinch the Premier League title, while Chelsea became European champions when they beat Bayern Munich on a penalty shoot-out in the Germans’ own stadium.
That triumph secured Roberto di Matteo the Chelsea manager’s job on a permanent basis and his task now is to close the gap on Manchester City in the Premier League.
Today’s match should provide the first clues as to whether he can succeed.
The £32million signing of Eden Hazard should also help – Chelsea pipped City to the signature of the 21-year-old Belgian playmaker who will be keen to make an impressive start to life in England.
This year’s Community Shield match has been switched to Villa Park as Wembley Stadium, its regular home, has been used as part of the Olympic football competition.
Once an iconic FA Cup semi-final venue, Villa Park has held two Shield matches with the first featuring Arsenal v West Brom back in 1931.
The last time the Community/Charity Shield game was played in Birmingham was 40 years ago. Manchester City lifted the trophy on that day, beating Aston Villa at their home ground, and will hope history is on their side again.
Matt Smith presents ITV’s live coverage from Villa Park, with build-up starting at 1pm.
Traditionally, the match has started at 3pm, but due to a clash with final day of the Olympics, the 2012 Shield will kick off at the earlier time of 1.30pm.
Studio analysis comes from Lee Dixon, who makes his debut for ITV, having signed from the BBC after Euro 2012, and Gareth Southgate.
Match commentary will be provided by Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend.
High-definition coverage is available on ITV1 HD and the match will be streamed online via the new-look ITV Football website.
It is the first time that the Community/Charity Shield match has been screened live on terrestrial television since 1985.
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