On Sunday, the 103rd FA Community Shield ushers in the 2025–26 season, as Premier League champions Liverpool face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley (kick-off at 3pm). It’s a historic moment as Palace make their first-ever appearance in this traditional curtain-raiser, while Liverpool aim to capture their 17th Shield, building on their dominant campaign last season and after their big summer transfer window, many are expecting big things.

While the competition in recent years has felt like no more than a pre-season friendly to start the season, the teams involved both have their own objectives from this game. Palace were successful last time out at Wembley, and given their lack of silverware in the clubs history, they’ll be very well supported to add to last years glory and extend the celebrations further. While their summer has been dominated by rumoured departures for key names and the fight to maintain their Europa League place for the new season, it’s a chance to focus back on the pitch and show fans they can pick up where they left off.

For Liverpool, their last campaign was dominant, and they’ve made huge moves this summer to maintain and build on this. Keeping most of their key names but losing some starters from their squad, the replacements have meant big business for Arne Slot’s side, and they’ve already put themselves at the top for peoples predictions ahead of the new season both domestically and in Europe.

In this preview, we’re going to look at the summer activities for both sides leading into the game, look at the team news ahead of the clash and pick out some key players to watch, and make a prediction for how the game could play out on Sunday in the curtain raiser for the new season.

As always, if you have any thoughts on this specific game or the new season generally, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Transfers

Liverpool have been among the busiest sides this summer as they’ve spent over £250m on a sweeping squad refresh, bringing in high-profile names such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike. But it’s not been one-sided, with the departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota have left Arne Slot’s squad in a state of refresh and transition, but the new arrivals have many fans expecting big things for the club this season as they look to retain their domestic title and push again in all competitions.

Crystal Palace, fresh from their historic FA Cup triumph, have added Borna Sosa and Walter Benítez, though their summer has been clouded by transfer uncertainties, including possible exits for Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze, and a drawn-out Europa League qualification appeal.

Pre-Season

Liverpool’s pre-season has been strong with five wins from six friendlies, and some impressive attacking play and glimpses of Arne Slot’s possession-based philosophy. Highlights include the emergence of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, whose performances have forced his inclusion in the senior squad. Hugo Ekitike also featured prominently during his Anfield debut, comfortable, confident, and clearly eager to make an impact alongside Salah, Gakpo, and Wirtz.

Palace’s preparations have been more workmanlike. Manager Oliver Glasner has kept his players grounded and focused on the job at hand, with training in full swing ahead of another Wembley day out.

Team News

For Liverpool, Alisson Becker is back in squad after personal absence, Virgil van Dijk has returned to training despite a recent illness, Conor Bradley is a doubt, Joe Gomez still injured, Alexis Mac Allister is match-fit but may be eased in and Florian Wirtz is expected to make his competitive debut after a strong pre-season.

For Palace, Dean Henderson is likely to start in goal, with Walter Benítez waiting in the wings. Borna Sosa may feature on the left, though Tyrick Mitchell remains first choice and Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucouré remain unavailable.

Players To Watch

Liverpool:

Florian Wirtz: bearing the weight of a club-record fee and expected to be the creative spark behind the front-three.

Rio Ngumoha: the teenage sensation whose pre-season form signals he may already be a first-team contributor.

Hugo Ekitike: new signing adapting well to life in Liverpool’s attack, combining energy with confidence.

Crystal Palace:

Ismaïla Sarr: pivotal in Palace’s FA Cup run, expected to carry that momentum into Sunday.

Jean-Philippe Mateta: recovered from a nightmare head injury, he ended the season strong and brings goal threat.

Adam Wharton: a midfield anchor in the Cup final, key to controlling the midfield battle.

Prediction

This clash encapsulates so much: Palace’s fairy-tale Cup victory and debut in this fixture versus Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of silverware and seamless transition to the next chapter. On paper, Liverpool’s star-studded squad, recent form, and pedigree make them slight favourites. Yet Palace have proved, most recently in the FA Cup final, that they thrive under pressure.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–2 Liverpool. Expect a tight, finely balanced game, until Wirtz or Salah unlock the Palace defence late on.

Don’t forget, if you have any thoughts on this specific game or the new season generally, you can get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).