LONDON — Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of Chelsea in a senior game for the first time on Sunday when it plays Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley.
The traditional curtain raiser to the Premier League season — champions vs. F.A. Cup winners — has an extra edge this year. Apart from the Ancelotti factor, there is Michael Owen back at Wembley in a United shirt, and goalkeeper Ben Foster starting what is a two-month audition to show he can perform at the highest level for club and then perhaps country.
Edwin van der Sar sustained a broken finger during the preseason and will not be able to play until October. Foster has made only 10 appearances for United in five years, winning two England caps.