The 2025 FA Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season, pits Premier League champions Liverpool against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 10th August 2025. Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM BST, with the match broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and in the US on ESPN+.
This 103rd edition of the competition promises an intriguing clash as Liverpool aim to assert their dominance, while Crystal Palace look to make history in their first-ever Community Shield appearance.
Liverpool: The Premier League Titans
Liverpool, under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, enter the match as reigning 2024-25 Premier League champions. The Reds have a storied history in the Community Shield, having appeared 24 times and won 16 titles, five of which were shared. Their most recent triumph came in 2022, when they edged out Manchester City 3-1. Fresh off a strong pre-season, including victories over Athletic Bilbao, Liverpool are bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, Slot faces some lineup decisions, with key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk expected to lead the charge. The Reds will look to leverage their attacking prowess and defensive solidity to claim early silverware and set the tone for their title defense.
Nunez, Nunez, Nunez! 🇺🇾
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 31, 2022
What a moment, @Darwinn99 🤩 pic.twitter.com/uunbPIcFBV
Crystal Palace: The FA Cup Underdogs
Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, make their Community Shield debut after a historic 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2024-25 FA Cup final, securing their first major trophy. This monumental achievement has injected confidence into the Eagles, who are eager to upset the odds against Liverpool. Palace’s tactical discipline and counter-attacking threat, led by players like Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, will be crucial. Despite being underdogs, Glasner’s side has shown they can compete with the elite, and their first appearance in this fixture marks a significant milestone for the club.
Just watching THAT goal back again...#CPFC pic.twitter.com/4KRaN4XcpP
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 19, 2025
Head-to-Head and Key Storylines
This will be the 67th meeting between Liverpool and Crystal Palace, with Liverpool holding a dominant historical edge. However, Palace’s recent FA Cup success suggests they can challenge the Reds, especially in a one-off match. The Community Shield, often described as a “glorified friendly,” carries symbolic weight as the first competitive fixture of the season. For Liverpool, a win could provide momentum for their Premier League campaign, while Palace aim to prove their FA Cup triumph was no fluke. The matchup also highlights a contrast in styles: Liverpool’s high-pressing, attacking football against Palace’s organized, counter-attacking approach.
Key questions loom: Can Palace’s defense contain Liverpool’s dynamic front line? Will Slot’s tactical tweaks outmaneuver Glasner’s disciplined setup? The absence of major injury concerns for both sides—barring minor doubts over Palace’s new signings integrating quickly—sets the stage for a competitive encounter.
Tactical Preview
Liverpool are likely to deploy their trademark 4-3-3, with Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luis DĂaz forming a potent attacking trio. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity from right-back and Alisson’s return in goal will be pivotal. Palace, favouring a 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1, will rely on their midfield solidity and Eze’s flair to exploit transitions. Glasner’s ability to organize his side against top-tier opposition, as demonstrated in the FA Cup final, will be tested against Liverpool’s relentless pressing.
Historical Context
The Community Shield, dating back to 1908, has evolved from the Sheriff of London Charity Shield into England’s super cup equivalent. While it’s officially classified as a friendly for disciplinary purposes, managers like Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola have emphasized its importance as a tone-setter for the season. Liverpool’s experience in the competition gives them an edge, but Palace’s hunger to make a statement could level the playing field. If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will proceed directly to a penalty shootout, adding an extra layer of drama.
Prediction
Liverpool’s experience and attacking depth make them favourites, but Crystal Palace’s recent form and defensive resilience suggest they won’t go down easily. Expect a tightly contested match, with Liverpool likely edging out a 2-1 victory, though Palace could push it to penalties if they capitalize on counter-attacks.
