The 2025/26 football season will officially begin this Sunday with the Community Shield, as Premier League champions Liverpool face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium.
The match is the traditional curtain-raiser, usually contested between the league winners and the FA Cup holders.
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, ended Manchester City’s four-year dominance last season to win a record-equalling 20th league title, finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal.
This summer, Slot’s squad has seen changes. Vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid on a free transfer, but new signings Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez have arrived to strengthen the team.
Crystal Palace are entering new territory, making their first-ever appearance in the Community Shield. Eberechi Eze, who scored the winner against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, will once again be the key man for the Eagles. With Arsenal interested in signing him, this could also be his final game for Palace.
Liverpool have won the Shield 16 times, with only Manchester United and Arsenal lifting it more. Palace, however, will be hoping to make history with their first title.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm at Wembley.
