Key Things to Watch Out for in Wembley Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Arne Slot’s Reds Target First Trophy of the Season in Community Shield Clash

Wembley awaits as Liverpool open the 2025/26 campaign with a chance to send an early statement against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

The Arne Slot era at Liverpool gets its first competitive test this Sunday as the Premier League champions meet Crystal Palace in the 2025 Community Shield. It is the traditional curtain-raiser to the season, but this year’s fixture carries added intrigue — and perhaps a hint of tactical revelation — as Slot begins his title defence.

For Palace, Oliver Glasner’s side arrive buoyed by last season’s historic FA Cup triumph, their first major piece of silverware. After strengthening in the summer market, they will not come to Wembley simply to make up the numbers. For Liverpool, though, this is a chance to show early intent — and perhaps offer a glimpse of their strongest XI.

Slot’s Selection Call: Liverpool’s Likely XI

While the Community Shield rarely defines a season, it often hints at a manager’s preferred line-up. Slot’s team against Athletic Club in pre-season offered clues, but a couple of changes are expected.

Virgil van Dijk is set to return from illness, while Alisson Becker should be back between the posts after his brief trip home to Brazil. Midfield remains the most intriguing area: Ryan Gravenberch is available for Sunday but suspended for Friday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, and Alexis Mac Allister’s fitness will be closely monitored. Slot’s selections here may reveal plenty about his early-season plans.

Guehi in the Shop Window?

While headlines have been dominated by the ongoing Alexander Isak saga, Liverpool’s need for a central defender persists — and Marc Guehi will be under the microscope at Wembley.

The Crystal Palace captain, entering the final year of his contract, has long been linked with Anfield. Liverpool could wait until 2026 to secure him on a free, but a commanding display against Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz might persuade Slot and the club’s hierarchy that patience is a luxury they can’t afford.

Ekitike’s Moment to Shine

Darwin Núñez’s departure has left new signing Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool’s first-choice striker. After a lively first run-out at Anfield, the 22-year-old now has a chance to make an instant mark in front of a global audience.

A goal at Wembley — especially in a fixture as visible as the Community Shield — could cement his place not just in Slot’s plans, but in the hearts of Liverpool supporters.

Wirtz Out to Silence Critics

Liverpool’s record signing Florian Wirtz has impressed those who have watched closely this summer, even if his numbers have not yet dazzled. Rival fans have been quick to pounce, labelling him an expensive gamble, but his intelligent movement and technical quality hint at a player capable of transforming games.

There is perhaps no better reply to early scepticism than a decisive display at Wembley. For Wirtz, Sunday offers the chance to prove that Liverpool’s investment will pay off — and that the first trophy of the season could be just the beginning.