PREMIER LEAGUE champions Liverpool clash with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.
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Crystal Palace vs Liverpool preview
It’s time for the 103rd edition of the Community Shield – the traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season.
This year’s clash sees Premier League champions Liverpool take on FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium.
What’s up for grabs? A shield, funnily enough.
But beyond Mikel Arteta’s favourite piece of silverware – he’s won it twice, in case you’d forgotten – it’s also a chance to kick-start the 2025/26 campaign with a statement win and lay down an early marker to the rest of the division.
That said, there is a theory that lifting the Community Shield isn’t exactly a good omen.
In fact, there may be something of a curse attached – only one of the last 11 winners has gone on to win the Premier League title in the same season.
That’s unlikely to faze Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who enter the new campaign as favourites for the Premier League title and have made a statement in the transfer market, splashing out on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
The Reds have enjoyed a strong pre-season, winning four of their five outings, and they boast an impressive recent record at Wembley, winning four of their last five finals under the arch.
However, defensively, there are lingering concerns. Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 matches in all competitions, and they’ve only managed two wins from their last six meetings with Crystal Palace.
As for the Eagles – making their first-ever appearance in the Community Shield – preparations have been overshadowed by off-field distractions concerning their European status.
Crystal Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League after falling foul of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Their appeal is set to be heard on Friday, with a decision expected on Monday.
That uncertainty appears to have impacted their transfer activity. Palace have spent just £2million this summer, bringing in Ajax left-back Borna Sosa, while goalkeeper Walter Benítez arrived on a free from PSV.
But for Oliver Glasner’s side, the bigger story is who they’ve managed to keep rather than who they’ve signed. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze all remain at Selhurst Park despite significant interest.
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool preview betting odds
Crystal Palace 15/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
Draw 10/3 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
Liverpool 4/7 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Crystal Palace vs Liverpool preview betting tips and predictions
Both teams to score
We’re backing both teams to score in Sunday’s Community Shield which is available at a fairly generous 3/4 with William Hill.
As mentioned, Liverpool have been involved in a series of high-scoring pre-season games, netting 15 goals in five outings. But defensive questions remain having conceded in every one of those matches. They’ve also managed just one clean sheet in their last 13 competitive games and that, notably, came against relegated Leicester.
As for Crystal Palace, they haven’t blanked in any of their last 13 games in all competitions and have netted at least once in four of their last six against Liverpool.
Adding to the trend, both teams to score has landed in five of the last six Community Shield fixtures.
Both teams to score at 3/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
First goalscorer: Cody Gakpo at 13/2 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
Correct score: 1-2 at 13/2 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
Goalscorer
It’s a cup game – of sorts – and that bodes well for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.
The 26-year-old heads into the Community Shield in red-hot form, having scored four goals in four pre-season appearances, including a brace against Athletic Bilbao last time out.
Gakpo also has a track record of delivering in non-league competitions. Over the past two seasons, he’s netted 16 goals in 32 appearances across the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Cody Gakpo to score anytime at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
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