Slot Shakes Up Liverpool Squad with Bold New Faces Against Crystal Palace
The reigning Premier League titleholders are looking to establish an immediate statement when they take on Crystal Palace in Sunday's Community Shield clash.
The 16-time victors of this annual showpiece return to Wembley following their triumphant 2024–25 campaign, though Arne Slot's roster has undergone significant transformation since last season's championship run. Europe's most prolific transfer market participants have revamped their defensive flanks and assembled a star-laden forward line, while maintaining continuity only in Slot's well-oiled midfield core from the previous term.
The influx of fresh talent creates considerable anticipation around the title holders, and for numerous observers, this represents their initial opportunity to witness the revamped Reds in action.
Below is how they might take the field for Sunday's Community Shield encounter against the previous season's FA Cup champions.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—Alisson departed Liverpool's preseason campaign prematurely due to family matters, and was absent from both Monday fixtures. While his unavailability shouldn't extend into the regular season, his participation on Sunday remains uncertain.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Slot has indicated he views Frimpong as offering attacking compensation when Salah is unavailable, though the energetic Dutchman will operate at right-back in this instance.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—The French defender is approaching his contract's final year at Liverpool, and the club will be eager to avoid a prolonged negotiation saga similar to last season's trio of departing stars.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk was sidelined for Monday's twin fixtures due to illness, but will feature on Sunday regardless of his physical condition.
LB: Milos Kerkez—The Hungarian international has integrated smoothly following his transfer from Bournemouth, and is poised to become a cornerstone of Slot's defensive setup.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch—An outstanding performer last campaign, Gravenberch has featured in both defensive and midfield roles during preseason preparations. With Liverpool's first-choice defenders returning, the Dutch playmaker should resume his customary position.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Szoboszlai has emerged as one of Liverpool's summer beneficiaries. Slot has deployed him in a deeper role during recent matches, suggesting he may challenge the exceptional Alexis Mac Allister for playing time.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Liverpool's attacking quartet commences with Salah. Despite the Reds' reduced reliance on the Egyptian this season, he remains an indispensable presence on the right flank.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Indeed, he appears perfectly suited for the role. Anfield won't require long to embrace their record acquisition.
LW: Cody Gakpo—The Dutch winger has faced diminished competition this summer, responding with goals in three preseason appearances, including a brace against Athletic Club on Monday.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—The highly-regarded young striker displayed flashes of his exceptional ability in the previous outing, setting up Salah with a brilliant stepover, shift and cross after drifting to the left wing. His performance against Palace's resolute defense on Sunday will be telling.