Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Who takes home the first trophy of the season?

The new English football season kicks off this weekend with the FA Community Shield showdown between Crystal Palace and Liverpool. The match is set for Sunday, August 10, with kick-off at 16:00 CET.

Match Preview

Crystal Palace shocked the football world last season by lifting the FA Cup, beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. Their pre-season form has been mixed — 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in 6 friendlies. The good news for Palace fans is that all key players are still at the club. Arsenal have been linked with Eberechi Eze, and several sides want Marc Guéhi, but no deals have been made yet.

Liverpool, on the other hand, had a busy summer transfer window. The Reds brought in Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, giving their squad a fresh look. Under new boss Arne Slot, they played 5 friendlies — winning 4 and losing only once, 2-4 to AC Milan. Last season, Liverpool were Premier League champions by a comfortable 10-point margin.

Match Facts & Head-to-Head

• Crystal Palace have lost 2 of their last 3 matches.

• Liverpool are on a 3-game winning streak.

• Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in their last 5 games.

• The Reds have scored in 15 straight matches.

• Palace have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 3 games.

• Last season: 1 draw and 1 Liverpool win in their two meetings.

Probable Lineups

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi; Muñoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Eze.
Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Prediction

Liverpool look sharp and ready after their summer signings. Palace will fight hard, but the Reds’ quality should shine through. Expect a competitive game, but Liverpool to win looks the smart bet at odds of 1.62.

Predicted score: Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool