LONDON, August 8, 2025 – Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed eagerness for Sunday’s Community Shield showdown against Crystal Palace, underlining the competitive test ahead as the Premier League champions look to open their season with silverware at Wembley.
A Big Match to Begin the Season
The 2025 FA Community Shield, marking the traditional curtain-raiser for the English football season, pits Liverpool—fresh from securing their 20th Premier League title—against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 10 at 3 PM BST at Wembley Stadium.
For Liverpool, this represents a chance to clinch their 17th Community Shield, equalling Arsenal’s tally. Meanwhile, Palace make their debut appearance in the competition following their historic FA Cup win.
Slot’s Perspective: Excitement & Respect for the Opposition
Slot emphasized how special Wembley is for any coach or player, sharing:
“As someone who has followed English football all my life, I know how special a game at Wembley is… I am really looking forward to being back out there with my team.”
He added praise for Palace:
“They are a team which always makes it difficult. They have good players, a very good coach with a clear idea of how to play, and to achieve what they achieved last season… was really impressive.”
Squad Updates and Tactical Considerations
Liverpool arrive at Wembley with a revamped squad, bolstered by summer signings such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. Slot highlighted the team’s depth and readiness, although he played coy on transfer rumours involving Darwin Núñez or Alexander Isak.
On the injury front, key defensive figures remain under assessment. Virgil van Dijk is recovering from illness, while Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are tight on fitness. Despite concerns, Slot expressed optimism about having a strong backline available, complemented by the likes of Alisson’s expected return.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the trophy, Liverpool view the fixture as a valuable early test—an opportunity to embed cohesion, test new signings, and build momentum ahead of the Premier League opener and European campaign.
Match Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace (Community Shield) |
| Date & Time | Sunday, August 10, 2025, 3 PM BST |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London |
| Broadcast | Live on TNT Sports / Discovery+ (UK) |
