The UEFA Super Cup is a match of limited importance, much like the Community Shield. But Americans had one question on their minds ahead of this year’s edition between Chelsea and Liverpool: Is Christian Pulisic starting?
Is Christian Pulisic Starting UEFA Super Cup?
You betcha.
There's a first start of the season for @nglkante, @CPulisic_10 and @_OlivierGiroud_!
Thoughts on the team?#SuperCup pic.twitter.com/wdIVdMKevT— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2019
We did it, guys. An American is playing in the UEFA Super Cup for the first time since Jovan Kirovski appeared for Dortmund in the 1997 edition. Take that, DaMarcus Beasley.
First starts of season for Kante. Giroud. And some other guy https://t.co/jP8ANetO4M
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 14, 2019
So much for Frank Lampard not wanting to throw Pulisic into the fire, as was his reasoning for not starting the 20-year-old American against Manchester United on Sunday. Instead, Pulisic will get his first start against the reigning European champions.
Pulisic will line up alongside Olivier Giroud and Pedro in attack. On the other side, Jurgen Klopp went with a strong lineup, fielding Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain up front. Advantage? Chelsea, obviously.
TEAM NEWS:
Gomez at right-back; Oxlade-Chamberlain in front three
Kanté, Pulišić & Giroud all start for the Blues#SuperCup pic.twitter.com/lQwvKJkWSx— UEFA #SuperCup (@ChampionsLeague) August 14, 2019
Everyone is getting wet in anticipation of the match.
Mind those sprinklers... #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/9455PH9f6F
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2019
Also of note for the Super Cup, Women’s World Cup final referee Stephanie Frappart will officiate the match, the first time such a European club competition has been refereed by a woman.
#FIFAWWC Final referee Stephanie Frappart is ready to make history tomorrow, where she will be the first female lead official in a major men's European game.
"I don’t think there’s a lot of difference, because football is the same. We are not afraid about this game."#SuperCup pic.twitter.com/dgRntrrMJA— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 13, 2019