Although the Community Shield is often considered the least prestigious domestic trophy, it still holds significant value for clubs. Given the increasing costs for supporters to attend the match, including travel expenses for Liverpool fans heading to Wembley, every player should take the game seriously.

Liverpool is expected to be the favorites going into the game, but Crystal Palace showed against Manchester City in May that they are no pushovers. With tactically astute coaches like Arne Slot and Oliver Glasner, the South Londoners may pose a challenge for the Reds.

Palace will need to reverse their recent history against Liverpool to emerge victorious. In their last 20 meetings, the Eagles have won only two, drawn three, and lost 15. In nine of those fixtures, they failed to score, and in 14, Liverpool scored at least twice.

Slot has expressed his respect for Liverpool's achievements, citing their good players, coach, and clear playing style. Glasner, on the other hand, is focused on the present and future, rather than dwelling on their FA Cup win.

The two teams have differing pre-season results, with Liverpool being almost perfect, beating Preston, Yokohama Marinos, and Athletic Club, while Crystal Palace has had mixed results, defeating Millwall and Augsburg, but also losing to Mainz and Augsburg.

This Community Shield fixture may be more interesting than usual, as it will give Liverpool fans a chance to see their new signings in action, including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Jeremie Frimpong. Meanwhile, Palace is dealing with rumors surrounding the futures of captain Marc Guehi and star player Eberechi Eze.

Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old player, may also feature in the game, having made an excellent impression in the pre-season with two goals and two assists in four games.

In terms of the starting lineup, Liverpool will likely look to stop Palace's counter-attacks, with Frimpong and Andrew Robertson/Milos Kerkez sitting deeper than usual, and Ryan Gravenberch anchoring the midfield.

Florian Wirtz, who has scored in 30 consecutive games, is looking to extend his personal record, and Crystal Palace will be eager to stop him. The Eagles have made some signings, but losing only one major player, Malcom Ebiowei, and having a good connection between their XI, they may pose a challenge for the Reds.

A great game is in prospect, with both teams looking to make a strong start to the season.

Follow the 2024/25 Community Shield here.