The traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season, the Community Shield, kicks off at Wembley on Saturday afternoon (kick off 4.30pm) and it should be a titanic clash between FA Cup winners, Arsenal and Premier League victors, Liverpool.
This match usually sees both sides field their strongest sides as they get up to speed ahead of the first game of the new league campaign and the games are often intriguing.
Liverpool were utterly dominant last season as they cruised to a first league title in 30 years. Jurgen Klopp’s men were phenomenal all season and had the title wrapped up with games to spare.
The club have been relatively quiet in the transfer market in the summer so far but how much do they need to improve to be champions once again?
Arsenal have really improved under Mikel Arteta. He has added steel to their flair and they have been harder to bear. They were fantastic in beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final four weeks ago and in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, they have one of the best strikers in Europe.
It should be a fascinating clash between two English footballing giants.
Arsenal vs Liverpool Predictions
With this being the first time the sides have played competitively for weeks, it is always a hard fixture to gauge. Arsenal underperformed until Arteta came in an they picked up another FA Cup in the process, which will put them in good heart heading into the new season.
Liverpool will hope that they can carry on last season’s form into this one but that will be a tall order. With their biggest rivals likely to spend in the transfer market, including an audacious attempt by Manchester City to land Lionel Messi, next season should be a thriller.
Will Klopp see this as a training exercise to put his players spot on in terms of fitness? If so, Arsenal could spring a bit of a surprise. No doubt Arteta will be wanting another Wembley triumph in the locker and if they are to beat Liverpool, this game could well be it.
Arsenal vs Liverpool Betting Tips
Arsenal vs Liverpool Head to Head
- Liverpool have only lost once in their last 11 games against Arsenal.
- Since 1993, Arsenal have won 19 of the 61 games played between the teams, with Liverpool winning 22.
- Arsenal have won four of their past six matches.
Arsenal Team News
The Gunners have a few injury concerns heading into this clash. Shkodran Mustafi is out with a thigh problem alongside fellow defenders Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers. Gabriel Martinelli is also absent with a long-term injury. Alex Lacazette may also miss out as he has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid. However, Arteta is likely to name his strongest XI against the Reds. New signings Willian and William Saliba could feature.
Possible team: Emi Martinez, William Saliba, David Luiz, Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, Willian, Nicolas Pepe, Eddie Nketiah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Liverpool Team News
Virgil Van Dijk has been passed fit to play by Klopp after sustaining a head injury in a friendly against Salzburg. However, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be missing through injury. Liverpool boss Klopp may choose to give some squad members a chance in this game such as Curtis Jones in midfield.
Possible team: Allison Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, Divock Origi.
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