After what has been the shortest turnaround between each season in Premier League history, Liverpool are set to battle Arsenal in this season’s Community Shield.
The annual curtain-raiser often gives us a good idea as to where both clubs are at, and whether they have made use of pre-season. Many see this game as a friendly, but, the fact is, a trophy is up for grabs. And, when silverware is part of the occasion, any game can take the most competitive of turns.
Community Shield 2020/21: Liverpool Looking to Add Another Trophy
The Chance to Make a Statement for Both Liverpool and Arsenal
For Arsenal, this is a chance to lay down the biggest of statements. They’ve defeated the champions before, but arguably when they were still in party mode. This time, however, should Mikel Arteta’s side rise to victory, it may well be remembered as their best yet under the Spaniard.
For Liverpool, this is the chance to keep the success rolling, keep the trophies coming, and lay down a statement of their own ahead of their first title defence in 30 years. The Reds lost out on the famous shield last year against Manchester City, so will be keen to make amends against Arsenal at Wembley.
Team News
Liverpool
After securing a win and a draw in pre-season games against Stuttgart and Salzburg, Liverpool will want to keep that small unbeaten run going with victory at Wembley. Jurgen Klopp’s side will have to do that without a couple of key players, however, with both Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold set to miss the game through injury.
Jurgen Klopp stated in the build-up to the game: Hendo (Henderson) and Joel (Matip) looking really good, on a good way. Ox (Oxlade-Chamberlain), early stages but good. Shaq (Shaqiri), good. Trent (Alexander-Arnold), very close. We have to make a decision about tomorrow.”
The Liverpool manager also went onto say: “All the boys that were not involved so far or got slight knocks in pre-season will not be available tomorrow.”
With that said, the chance to impress once more is likely to be given to Neco Williams. The young Welshman has been a constant feature of the Liverpool pre-season and will be taking to the Wembley pitch for the first time in his young career.
Arsenal
As for the Gunners, Shkodran Mustafi and Pablo Mari are set to be out until October after undergoing surgery for hamstring and ankle problems. Calum Chambers, too, is still recovering from the ruptured ACL injury he picked up in January. Gabriel Martinelli, the fourth man on the Arsenal injury list, is also set to be out until the end of 2020.
So, going into the game, it looks as though Arsenal and Mikel Arteta may have to put trust into new signing William Saliba to slot straight in. Fellow new signing Willian could also make his first appearance for the club.
Liverpool Looking for Revenge Against Arsenal
Following an emphatic title win, Liverpool partied far into the night, and ultimately, continued their hangover in the remaining games. The Reds slumped to defeats against Manchester City before being shocked by Arsenal.
And, although these games meant nothing in the grand scheme of things from Liverpool’s point of view, they’ll still be keen to inflict some revenge against Arsenal at Wembley.
It’s vengeance they should be well placed to complete, too, with the famous front trio looking sharp once more alongside the finally on form Naby Keita. It should be another successful day out of trophy collecting for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Prediction
Arsenal may find joy when targetting young Neco Williams down the Liverpool right, but, ultimately, the Reds should have too much going the other way for the Gunners to handle.
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
Main Photo
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