(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
2025 FA Community Shield Preview: Crystal Palace vs Liverpool at Wembley
The 2025 FA Community Shield is set for an exciting showdown on August 10th at 4:00 p.m. CEST at the iconic Wembley Stadium, featuring Crystal Palace and Liverpool. This annual curtain-raiser pits the previous Premier League champions against the reigning FA Cup winners, offering an early chance to claim silverware and build momentum ahead of the new season.
Crystal Palace’s Historic Run
Crystal Palace earned their spot in this prestigious match after making history last season by winning the FA Cup. Under Oliver Glasner’s guidance, the Eagles secured a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester City, powered by Eberechi Eze’s decisive goal and crucial saves from goalkeeper Henderson, including stopping a penalty from Ahmed Marmoush. This triumph marked Palace’s first major trophy in their 120-year history.
Glasner is determined not to rest on their laurels. “We’re excited and ready for a big season ahead — competing in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League. We want to go for every title,” he declared.
Despite the optimism, Palace face a tough challenge: only one team outside the traditional “Big Six” has won the Community Shield in the past 26 years. The last new champion was Aston Villa in 1981, sharing the trophy with Spurs after a draw. If Palace pull off a surprise victory, they would become the 26th club to lift this historic trophy.
Liverpool Aim to Build on Title Success
Liverpool enter the match as favourites, eager to claim the first trophy of the 2025/26 season and continue their success under coach Arne Slot. Last season, the Reds secured the Premier League title with an attractive style of play but fell short in their quest for a historic treble after losing the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle and exiting the Champions League in the round of 16 on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain.
Seeking redemption and their second trophy under Slot, Liverpool will look to defeat Palace and match Arsenal as the second most successful team in Community Shield history. The Reds have won six of their last ten appearances in this competition, with three titles earned via penalty shootouts.
Match Officials
The game will be officiated by referee Chris Kavanagh, assisted by James Mainwaring and Wade Smith. Tony Harrington serves as the fourth official, with Paul Tierney as VAR and Nick Hopton as AVAR.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Guehi, Lacroix; Munoz, Hughes, Kamada, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konate, Frimpong; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
This highly anticipated match promises intensity and drama as both teams vie for early-season glory.
