COMMENT: Sunday is massive for Jack Wilshere, absolutely massive.
The Arsenal midfielder will be seeking reinforcement that his decision to return early for preseason was justified. Whether they're wearing Arsenal red or Chelsea blue, no player will be further ahead in their season preparation at Wembley than Wilshere.
Despite finishing off the campaign in style with England, Wilshere asked Arsene Wenger, the Gunners manager, about having staff on call so he could kick off his preseason early last month. The decision has so far reaped the desired results, with Wilshere Arsenal's outstanding senior player this preseason.
With midfield competition red hot at London Colney, the England midfielder will be hoping to lay down a marker against Chelsea and re-establish himself as a first-choice in Wenger's XI.
However, Wilshere's motivation will go beyond simply impressing his manager. He'll still have Noel Gallagher's stinging criticism ringing in his ears.
When you have Noel Gallagher, of all people, having a pop at you over lifestyle choices - and actually getting it right - you know it's time to change your ways. Manchester City's celebrity fan didn't miss with his dig at Wilshere this week - and his opinion was spot on.
“You think of the great midfielders in the game now, like [David] Silva and the Barcelona players – they're athletes. They don't smoke and drink," declared the Oasis front man.
“This lad has been caught twice. That's what sets him apart and what links him to Gazza.
“That catches up with you in the end. If you are smoking and drinking you are not an athlete."
And that's been the problem for Wilshere. He's now better known for what we see of him on the front of the newspaper, rather the back. His antics during the FA Cup parade capture his career in a nutshell.
Wilshere is synonymous with last season's Cup triumph. But not for anything he did on the pitch. His drunken goading of Tottenham fans will live long in the memory.
An after-thought on the pitch, he became the headline act off it.
News of Wilshere taking it upon himself to kickoff preseason several weeks early is what fans love to hear. Joe Cole won us all over when people were posting online reports of him training on his own in a local park. No matter your club loyalties, you hear that sort of thing ... about a player going the extra mile ... and you're in his corner for the rest of the year.
It's easy to forget that Wilshere is still only 23. So say his supporters. Yes, at this age, he still could be anything.
He's been part of the Gunners first team since he was 16 years of age. But that realisation is what should be staring back at Wilshere when he looks in the mirror today. That time's now gone. The talk of potential and what could be is over. Now is the time to deliver.
Arsenal go into Sunday's Community Shield in flying form. Seven goals in 24 hours against Lyon and Wolfsburg has the Gooners support buzzing. Some Invincibles are even predicting this could finally be Wenger's year to deliver a first Premier League crown to the Emirates trophy room.
A convincing victory at Wembley would mark Chelsea's card - and all other rivals. It could also be a turning point for Wilshere.
The injuries have held him back, you can't argue otherwise. But as Noel says (no, really!), he hasn't helped himself by his lifestyle choices. He talks a good game, does Jack. But now he's facing a watershed moment.
His talent will get him by. But it's attitude and desire which separates those with the gift and those whom excel with it.
At 23 and after seven years in the game, it's time for Jack to decide what he's willing to do to make the most of a career which is already seven years gone.
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