Liverpool v Chelsea
The FA Community Shield
Sunday 13 August 2006, 3pm
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
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13 May 2006
VIDEO: The FA Cup Final 2006
Watch Liverpool roar back from 2-0 down to West Ham in a classic Cup Final that went to penalties.
League Champions Chelsea face FA Cup holders Liverpool in this season’s Community Shield, being held at The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 13 August.

It will be the curtain raiser for an eagerly anticipated Premiership season and both managers will be looking to gain a competitive edge before the big kick-off. It also provides the opportunity for the teams to give their new signings a taste of competitive action.

The biggest of Chelsea’s signings this year have been the capture of German captain Michael Ballack on a free transfer from Bayern Munich and AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, voted European Footballer of the year in 2004.

Liverpool themselves have been very busy in the transfer market so far with the £6m signing of Blackburn striker Craig Bellamy being the most notable acquisition.

There have been many close encounters between these two Premiership heavyweights in recent times with two 0-0 draws in last season’s Champions League group games. There was also the 3-2 extra time win by Chelsea in the 2005 League Cup Final with Steven Gerrard scoring a late own goal that turned the game for the West London team. 

Most recently fans will remember the 2-1 Liverpool victory in last season’s FA Cup semi-final with a glorious Luis Garcia volley sealing a place in The Final for the Reds. This was the tenth meeting in two seasons of Benitez and Mourinho's sides, with Chelsea leading the way so far with five victories - Liverpool have won twice while there have been three draws.

Another notable win for Liverpool came when they defeated Chelsea 1-0 on aggregate in the semi final of the 2005 Champions League, also with a Luis Garcia goal. Liverpool then went on to famously win the trophy following a classic comeback over Milan.

Liverpool have a formidable record in the Community Shield losing only six times in 20 occasions. Chelsea have won it three times from five and so Liverpool will be hoping that their superior record will be able to carry them through in what is expected to be a tightly contested affair.