Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace: Community Shield Showdown Looms!
Get ready for a cracking start to the Premier League season! Liverpool are set to face Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield. This year's match promises plenty of excitement. Let's dive into the latest team news and what to expect.
Team News and Updates
Liverpool's Alisson Becker is back with the squad after missing the pre-season tour due to personal reasons. Virgil van Dijk has also returned to training after recovering from illness. However, Conor Bradley's availability is uncertain, with coach Arne Slot saying it's 'tight' for him to be fit in time. Joe Gomez is still sidelined with an injury, but is nearing a comeback.
Alexis Mac Allister is in contention but won't be ready to play the full 90 minutes. Slot mentioned, "[Mac Allister] will be in the squad. Starting is possible but definitely not for 90 minutes." Ryan Gravenberch is available, but his suspension will be served in the Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth.
Crystal Palace's Threat
Slot highlighted Crystal Palace's strengths, saying, "They do [threaten in multiple ways]: counter-attacks, set-pieces, long balls to [Jean-Philippe] Mateta. They have also the individual quality of their forwards, who can create something out of nothing. A very good team."
From Charity Shield to Community Shield
Did you know the Community Shield was originally called the Charity Shield? It was introduced in 1908 to raise funds for charity. The name changed in 2002 when the Football Association didn't meet charity law requirements. Despite the name change, funds raised still go to community initiatives and charities across the UK.
Who Benefits?
Proceeds from the match go to the FA's official charity partner, the Alzheimer's Society, community initiatives across England, and charities in Brent, London. The Felix Project, a London-based food distribution charity, also benefits, providing thousands of meals from the FA's funding.
This clash between Liverpool and Crystal Palace promises to be a thrilling start to the season. Don't miss it!