The 2025–26 English football season kicks off this Sunday as Crystal Palace takes on Liverpool at Wembley in the traditional Community Shield match.
This is a historic moment for Palace as they make their debut in the competition after winning the FA Cup. Liverpool, on the other hand, comes in as the Premier League champions.
Crystal Palace: Riding the Wave of Historic Triumph
Palace ended a 120-year wait for a major trophy in May by stunning Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The South London team has a strong recent record at Wembley, winning four of their last six neutral matches there.
Expectations are high for the new campaign, with European football on the horizon. However, which competition they will join depends on the outcome of their appeal against demotion to the Conference League.
Liverpool: Chasing 17th Shield Triumph
Liverpool enters their 25th Community Shield appearance hoping to secure their 17th title, with five of those shared. Jürgen Klopp’s squad has been strengthened by several high-profile summer signings and had a solid pre-season. Despite this, there are concerns about defensive depth. Captain Virgil van Dijk is not fully fit, and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is also uncertain.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Eze.
Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
