Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon believes the Community Shield is hated by players as ‘it doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme’ of the season.
However, he thinks players still use it to get their fitness right ahead of the season proper.
Dixon also predicted that Arsenal will be 1-0 winners over Manchester City at the showpiece event, which kicks off at 3pm on Sunday, August 16.
He also tipped Mikel Arteta as the perfect manager for Max Dowman, and believes this is the perfect season for him to step up.
A pain in the backside
During an exclusive conversation with BestBettingSites, Dixon said: “Players have never really cared about the Charity Shield or Community Shield.
“I always saw it as a pain in the backside because it’s essentially your final pre-season fixture before the campaign officially starts.
“So it’s sort of important for fitness, but as a trophy, it really isn’t. It’s a bit of a head-scrambler.
“We smashed Manchester United 3-0 in it back in 1998, and they went on to win the Treble that season! So it doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme.
Nice day out for fans
“It’s a nice day out for the supporters and usually sweltering hot, but you don’t really want to be playing a high-stakes match then.
“Where are the medals for it? They’re buried in a box in the loft somewhere!
“It’s nice to win for the team photo, but fundamentally it’s a glorified fitness session.
“You’re testing your lungs and leg sharpness ahead of the real stuff starting the following week.
“I’m going 1-0 to the Arsenal, though.”
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Dowman can hold his own
Arteta’s defending Premier League champions pipped Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the title last season – but there is a new man in the City hot-seat now in Enzo Maresca.
Arsenal have strengthened their midfield options with the big-money capture of Brazil talisman Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
But former England defender Dixon is excited about the potential of Dowman, while trying to ensure expectations are not too great for the youngster.
He added: “Anything is possible, but relying on a 16-year-old is a big ask.
“Mikel Arteta is probably the best manager he could have at this stage of his career.
“Max has demonstrated his technical ceiling, but the real test is mental durability.
“Physically, he’ll hold his own – he’s a sturdy lad and won’t get completely bullied.
“Plus, modern full-backs don’t smash opponents the way Nigel Winterburn used to; it’s mostly pushing and jockeying now.
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Psychological demand
“The main challenge is handling the psychological demand of elite football.
“Making occasional substitute appearances is easy to process – you go back to your routine and everyone praises you.
“But playing week in, week out is a completely different mental burden.
“Mikel won’t throw him into the deep end prematurely, so this season is structured nicely for his gradual integration.”
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