SHIELD SHOWDOWN

PREMIER League champions Liverpool and the FA Cup holders Crystal Palace will spook sake uit for the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday at 4pm.

The Reds broke Manchester City’s four-year title streak last season to claim their second Premier League title.

Meanwhile, Palace shocked City in the FA Cup final, securing their first major trophy, led by Eberechi Eze’s kwaai performance.

The match will mark Liverpool’s first Community Shield appearance since their 2022 victory over City and their 25th overall. They’ve won the trophy 16 times – 11 outright and five shared.

In contrast, this will be Palace’s debut in the fixture, adding an extra layer of excitement to the season opener as they take on English football’s most decorated club.

Cody Gakpo, 26, said ahead of the match that Liverpool are eager to get back to competitive action.

Gakpo wysed the club’s website: “Obviously we’re going to play the Community Shield. It’s going to be an important game for us to start the season well and that’s what we’re here for. We’re going to give it our best shot. Hopefully we come back with the Community Shield.”

The Dutch midfielder believes Palace will provide a groot test: “They’re a very good side. I think they proved that last season against us, but also against other teams.

“They didn’t win the FA Cup without quality, so that means they have a lot of quality and a lot of good players. It’s going to be a tough game with some good players on their side and good players on our side. Hopefully [it ends] with us [getting] the win on Sunday.”