The English football season’s first big match is on Sunday, the Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Here’s a guide to what the match is all about

WHAT IS IT?

8226; Formerly known as the Charity Shield, it’s a one-off match played between the winners of the previous season’s league Premiership and FA Cup. In this case, Arsenal and Man U square off, a week before the new Premiership season resumes

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

8226; It once used to be highly competitive, with top players loosening up and younger ones keen to make a mark. The demands of modern football mean that it’s now used to give new signings and worthy juniors a run-out, and the stars a rest

SO IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

Any Arsenal-Man U match is worth watching, if only to read the tea leaves. Is this the season where the balance of power will finally shift from Old Trafford to Highbury? And is Wenger planning for Life After Vieira?

WILL THE STARS BE THERE?

Alas, no. Most are either injured or suspended. Arsenal will be without Vieira, Campbell, and possibly even Henry and Edu. United, meanwhile, will miss Van Nistelrooy, Saha, Ferdinand, Ronaldo

THAT LEAVES?

Plenty. For Arsenal, new boy Robbie van Persie the next Bergkamp and old new boy Reyes. For United, Alan Smith from Leeds

WHAT WILL THE FANS BE SINGING?

The Vieira Chant will be high on the playlist. Man U fans will no doubt get ‘Senegal’ to rhyme with ‘Real’