Michael Essien has been handed a starting role for Chelsea in Sunday’s Community Shield match against Manchester United at Wembley. Essien missed the chunk of last season through injury but has fully recovered ahead of the start of the new season next week. The midfielder scored in his first competitive match for the Blues in a pre-season game against Crystal Palace last month. Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelloti believes his team form in off-season will help them make a bright start to their campaign. “After a fantastic season it was very difficult to change this squad. We could repeat it this year with these players,” the Italian manager told the club website on Friday. “We want to do our best-Manchester United could be the most important opponent this season, like they were last season,” he said. Chelsea Line-up: Hilario; Paulo Ferreira, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole; Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard; Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com