{"id":19621,"date":"2025-08-08T08:44:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T12:44:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season\/"},"modified":"2025-08-08T08:44:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T12:44:03","slug":"community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Shield: Is Liverpool the Team to Beat This Season?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season\/#Insights_from_Liverpools_Preseason\" >Insights from Liverpool&#8217;s Preseason<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season\/#Stream_ESPN_FC_daily_with_ESPN\" >Stream ESPN FC daily with ESPN+<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season\/#How_Are_the_New_Signings_Fitting_In\" >How Are the New Signings Fitting In?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season\/#Whats_Next_in_the_Transfer_Market\" >What\u2019s Next in the Transfer Market?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/08\/community-shield-is-liverpool-the-team-to-beat-this-season\/#Setting_the_Tone_for_the_Season\" >Setting the Tone for the Season<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-meta\">\n<ul class=\"authors\">\n<li class=\"mugshot-shown\">\n<div class=\"author-img\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=\/i\/columnists\/full\/lindop_beth.png&amp;h=80&amp;w=80&amp;scale=crop\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\">\n        <\/div>\n<p>By Beth Lindop<span class=\"timestamp\">August 8, 2025, 4am<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"author-overlay\">close<\/p>\n<ul>Liverpool correspondent for ESPN covering WSL and UWCL based in Liverpool.<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p>It\u2019s just been 75 days since Liverpool celebrated their Premier League victory at a bustling Anfield, and the new season is already on the horizon. The champions will kick off their 2025-26 campaign at home against Born Mutton on August 15, but this weekend they\u2019ll face Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield, which will be a true test of their preparations to defend their title.<\/p>\n<p>This long-standing tradition pits the British champion against the FA Cup winner just before each new season starts. Although the Community Shield&#8217;s status as a major trophy is often debated, it offers teams a chance to sharpen their skills in a competitive setting, drawing nearly 90,000 fans to Wembley Stadium.<\/p>\n<p>Liverpool has previously won the Shield 16 times, but this will mark Crystal Palace&#8217;s first appearance. How much insight will this match provide as Liverpool gears up for the upcoming season?<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Insights_from_Liverpools_Preseason\"><\/span>Insights from Liverpool&#8217;s Preseason<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With Liverpool not participating in the revamped Club World Cup held in the US this summer, coach Arne Slot and his squad had a rare chance for an extended break before diving into their preparations. Their preseason has been largely positive, with a 20-9 goal aggregate over six matches, the only loss being to AC Milan.<\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Why is everyone talking about Rio Nugumoha? 16<br \/>\n  &#8211; Ohanlon: Why Liverpool is taking its time after winning the Premier League<br \/>\n  &#8211; Leaving Liverpool: Luis Diaz takes a big risk with Bayern Munich<\/b><\/p>\n<p>During their Asian tour, which attracted large crowds in Hong Kong and Japan, nearly the entire squad got valuable playing time in a doubleheader against Anfield\u2019s athletic club. Following a fluid style of play, the squad showcases a strong identity on the field, although defensive improvements are still necessary despite a significant roster change last season.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"inline float-r inline-track\">\n<h2 class=\"img-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stream_ESPN_FC_daily_with_ESPN\"><\/span>Stream ESPN FC daily with ESPN+<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" data-lazyload=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/a.espncdn.com\/photo\/2020\/0325\/r682826_2_576x324_16-9.jpg\" class=\"round lazyload\"><\/p>\n<p>Join Dan Thomas along with Craig Burley and Shaka Hislop for the latest highlights and discussions on the biggest stories. Stream on ESPN+ (US only).<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>However, the preseason has not been without emotional challenges. Following the tragic car accident involving striker Diogo Jota and his brother last month, both Slot and his players have faced significant emotional hurdles. Jota is a crucial player for Liverpool and a beloved figure in the team. Throughout the summer, various tributes have been paid, and both on and off the pitch, support measures are in place to help staff cope with their grief.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If we want to laugh, we laugh. If we want to cry, we cry,&#8221; Slot mentioned to LFCTV last month. &#8220;Players can choose to train or not, but it\u2019s important to acknowledge their feelings.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Liverpool has approached the tragedy with great care, though the impact of Jota&#8217;s passing remains deeply felt.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"inline inline-photo full\">\n<figure>\n      <picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0528%2Fr1499377_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=570&amp;format=jpg, https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0528%2Fr1499377_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0528%2Fr1499377_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=375, https:\/\/a4.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0528%2Fr1499377_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=750&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\" lazyload lazyload\" data-image-container=\".inline-photo\" height=\"320\" width=\"570\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"photoCaption\">Arne Slot has had a busy offseason with many changes in the team. Sunday&#8217;s match will reveal a lot about how the team has evolved. <cite>Carl Recine\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Are_the_New_Signings_Fitting_In\"><\/span>How Are the New Signings Fitting In?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Experiencing significant roster changes after a title-winning season is uncommon, but Liverpool has made it clear that this summer is crucial. With the arrival of Federico Chiesa and a spending spree exceeding \u00a3250 million on new signings, the need for fresh blood is apparent.<\/p>\n<p>Among the latest acquisitions is talisman Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, with potential costs rising to \u00a3116 million if all add-ons are met.<\/p>\n<div class=\"flourish-embed flourish-chart\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/soccer\/story\/_\/id\/45920372\/visualisation\/24568564?2490397\">\n    <noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/public.flourish.studio\/visualisation\/24568564\/thumbnail\" width=\"100%\" alt=\"Chart visualization\"><\/noscript>\n  <\/div>\n<p>If Wirtz feels the pressure from his price tag, he\u2019s kept his composure, displaying his immense talent by scoring in a 3-1 win against Yokohama F. Marinos. The young striker will face challenges in the Premier League, but early indications are promising.<\/p>\n<p>This positive trend is echoed by newcomers Milos Kerkez and Jeremy Fripon, who appear to be adapting well to life in Merseyside. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamaldaszvili impressed during his first match after signing with Liverpool before heading out on loan to Valencia last season. Striker Hugo Ekitique, who recently transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt for \u00a369 million, also showcased his abilities in the match against the Athletic Club.<\/p>\n<p>Despite Liverpool\u2019s hefty investment, the standout of the preseason has undoubtedly been 16-year-old ling Moha, who moved from Chelsea\u2019s academy. He scored three goals this summer, making a significant impact.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Next_in_the_Transfer_Market\"><\/span>What\u2019s Next in the Transfer Market?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<aside class=\"inline inline-photo full\">\n<figure>\n      <picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0806%2Fr1528518_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=570&amp;format=jpg, https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0806%2Fr1528518_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=1140&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0806%2Fr1528518_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=375, https:\/\/a3.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0806%2Fr1528518_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg&amp;w=750&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\" lazyload lazyload\" data-image-container=\".inline-photo\" height=\"320\" width=\"570\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"photoCaption\">New signings seem to have integrated well, yet Liverpool faces a lack of depth in central defense for multiple competitions. <cite>Nick Taylor\/Liverpool FC\/Liverpool FC Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Liverpool&#8217;s transfer activity has been calculated, yet they have also seen departures this summer.<\/p>\n<p>Luis Diaz has joined Bayern Munich, and Darwin Nunez is set to leave for Saudi Arabian Professional League side Al-Gharafa. Chiesa, who played only 104 minutes in the last Premier League season, could also follow suit. As a result, Liverpool is keen to add another forward, with Newcastle United\u2019s Alexander Isak being a primary target. A \u00a3110 million bid for the striker was recently rejected, but negotiations could continue.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of whether it&#8217;s Isak or another player, Liverpool needs a new forward who can start regularly and perform at a high level while remaining budget-friendly\u2014a difficult combination to find.<\/p>\n<p>Defensively, there\u2019s a pressing need for reinforcement with the departure of center-back Jarrell Quansah to Leverkusen. With captain Virgil van Dijk reaching 34 and both usual defensive partners Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate battling injuries, securing an additional central defender is a priority.<\/p>\n<p>Interestingly, Liverpool has set its sights on Crystal Palace\u2019s Marc Guehi, who is among the top targets active at Wembley this weekend. Although Guehi is under contract at Palace for another year, both parties need to agree financially for a deal to go through this summer.<\/p>\n<div data-behavior=\"video_scroll\" class=\"contentItem__content contentItem__content--media-card contentItem__content--fullWidth contentItem__content--inline\">\n<figure data-video=\"watch,640,360,45901393\" data-cerebro-id=\"68912aa31fdd1f6f84aae5fa\" data-title=\"Moreno spots a weakness in Liverpool's 'midfield balance'\" class=\"media-wrapper_image video\" data-source=\"espn\" data-contributing-partner=\"wsc\">\n      <picture class=\"media-wrapper_image\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0804%2F7bc4ae610e3b42be928e0d3dc04e2f781112%2F7bc4ae610e3b42be928e0d3dc04e2f781112.jpg&amp;w=640&amp;h=360&amp;cquality=80&amp;format=jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 376px)\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0804%2F7bc4ae610e3b42be928e0d3dc04e2f781112%2F7bc4ae610e3b42be928e0d3dc04e2f781112.jpg&amp;w=335&amp;cquality=80, https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fmedia%2Fmotion%2F2025%2F0804%2F7bc4ae610e3b42be928e0d3dc04e2f781112%2F7bc4ae610e3b42be928e0d3dc04e2f781112.jpg&amp;w=670&amp;cquality=40&amp;format=jpg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 375px)\"><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n        <span class=\"video-play-button\" data-id=\"45901393\">play<\/span><figcaption class=\"media-caption\">\n<p>1:16<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"contentItem__contentWrapper\">\n<p>Moreno identifies weaknesses in Liverpool&#8217;s &#8220;midfield balance&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Yale Moreno highlights an issue Liverpool overcame during their 3-2 preseason victory over Athletic Club.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting_the_Tone_for_the_Season\"><\/span>Setting the Tone for the Season<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The outcome of Sunday&#8217;s match won&#8217;t decisively outline Liverpool&#8217;s readiness for the new season, but it\u2019s certainly telling. While it serves as a friendly, both teams prioritize avoiding injuries and refining their fitness, heightening interest in the potential trophy.<\/p>\n<p>For Palace, adding another trophy to their cabinet would be enticing, especially after their first major win at the 2025 FA Cup. Manager Oliver Glasner will want his supporters to remember another successful trip to Wembley. Liverpool understands they must match this challenge to succeed.<\/p>\n<p>A defeat could fuel criticism directed at Liverpool and intensify the pressure ahead of their opening match against Bournemouth. Conversely, a victory would send a positive message about their intentions in a season where they\u2019ll face every match with targets on their backs.<\/p>\n<p>By claiming the Premier League title, Liverpool has set an impressive benchmark. This weekend presents them with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to meeting those expectations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This news is pivotal for soccer fans as it not only highlights Liverpool&#8217;s preparations for the new season but also sets the stage for their title defense. With increased competition and new signings, the dynamics of the league may shift, making every match more thrilling and unpredictable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Beth LindopAugust 8, 2025, 4am close Liverpool correspondent for ESPN covering WSL and UWCL based in Liverpool. It\u2019s just been 75 days since Liverpool celebrated their Premier League victory at a bustling Anfield, and the new season is already on the horizon. The champions will kick off their 2025-26 campaign at home against Born [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[2614,5443,40,132,46,745,5444,45,115],"class_list":{"0":"post-19621","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-beat","9":"tag-community","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-liverpool","12":"tag-news","13":"tag-season","14":"tag-shield","15":"tag-soccer","16":"tag-team"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19621\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}