Villa Park to host Shield

The Football Association has confirmed that Villa Park will host next season's Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea.

Man City and Chelsea will clash in Birmingham

The Football Association has confirmed that Villa Park will host next season's Community Shield. The annual season opener is played between the league and cup winners, and next season will see Manchester City face Chelsea. Wembley is the usual host, but they are unable to do it this year on August 12th, as they have the men's Olympic football final 24 hours earlier. Alex Horne, FA general secretary, said: "Villa Park is one of English football's most iconic grounds and has a wonderful tradition of hosting some of the game's biggest matches. "Once we knew the Olympic football schedule, we worked hard to secure a suitable alternative venue for The FA Community Shield 2012 and are delighted that Aston Villa have agreed to host the season's traditional curtain raiser."