Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – 2025 FA Community Shield Betting Preview, Odds & Prediction
The 2025/26 English elite football season officially gets underway this Sunday as Premier League champions Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium in the FA Community Shield. While often debated as a competitive trophy or merely a ceremonial curtain-raiser, both teams will treat the occasion seriously, knowing that early silverware can set the tone for a successful campaign.
Liverpool return to Wembley aiming to make amends after their League Cup final defeat to Newcastle earlier this year. Arne Slot’s side dominated the Premier League last season, storming to a record-equalling 20th title, and arrive as firm favorites.
For Palace, this is a historic moment – their first-ever Community Shield appearance comes off the back of their stunning 1-0 success over Manchester City in May’s FA Cup final, which ended the club’s 120-year wait for major silverware.
Head-to-Head: Liverpool Dominance, But Palace’s Cup Confidence
These two sides have met frequently in recent years, but never before at Wembley. Liverpool have held the upper hand, winning 12 of their last 16 encounters with Palace in all competitions. The South London club’s only victory in that run came in April 2024 – a 1-0 upset at Anfield that proved they could frustrate and outwit the Reds on their day.
The last meeting between the two sides, however, ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield on the final day of the Premier League season, a match that doubled as a celebration of Liverpool’s league triumph. While history favors Liverpool, Palace have shown themselves to be a different beast in cup competitions, and they’ll arrive with no fear.
Crystal Palace Team News: Stability and Star Power
Manager Oliver Glasner has opted for continuity after his team’s historic FA Cup success. The Eagles have only made two additions during the summer window: Borna Sosa, a dynamic left-back from Eredivisie giants Ajax, and Walter Benítez, a reliable goalkeeper signed from PSV Eindhoven. However, both are expected to begin on the bench.
Equally crucial for Palace this summer has been holding on to their star man, Eberechi Eze, despite ongoing transfer interest from top clubs, including title contenders Arsenal. The creative midfielder continues to be the heartbeat of Glasner’s side, having contributed nine goals and three assists across his last 13 matches. After netting the decisive goal in the 2025 FA Cup final, Eze is once again expected to play a central role in Palace’s hopes of securing another statement result at Wembley this Sunday.
There are a few injuries to note – Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucouré are both sidelined – while Marc Guéhi and Adam Wharton have returned to fitness just in time. The only selection dilemma for Glasner seems to be in midfield, where one of Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, or Daichi Kamada is expected to partner Wharton.
Liverpool Team News: Star Signings and Defensive Questions
Liverpool’s summer has been one of significant investment, with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, while Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitiké add depth and youth. All are in contention to start, and most featured prominently in Liverpool’s final pre-season game against Athletic Bilbao, a 3-2 win.
One concern remains in defense. While Virgil van Dijk is expected to start, he has struggled with fitness during the off-season. At times during pre-season, Arne Slot was forced to use Andy Robertson or Wataru Endo at center-back, suggesting depth in that area is still an issue. Additionally, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are ruled out due to injury.
In goal, Alisson has returned from a family emergency and trained normally this week. If the Brazilian is not deemed fully ready, summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili, who featured heavily in pre-season, may get the nod between the sticks.
Of course, Mohamed Salah remains the star attraction. Despite scoring 57 times in 52 games across all competitions last season, the Egyptian has struggled at Wembley in recent years, going seven consecutive games at the stadium without a goal or assist. Liverpool will hope this is the moment he breaks that drought.
Tactical Outlook: Pressing vs Precision
This game promises a tactical contrast. Arne Slot has quickly implemented a high-pressing, attack-minded system at Liverpool, with overlapping full-backs and an emphasis on winning possession in the final third. Frimpong’s inclusion on the right adds both width and pace, while Wirtz’s creativity behind the front three could be a game-changer.
Palace, meanwhile, will likely sit deeper, absorb pressure, and look to hit Liverpool on the counter. Glasner’s system relies heavily on quick transitions, using players like Ismaïla Sarr and Eze to exploit space in behind. The wing-backs—Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Muñoz—will be crucial in turning defense into attack.
The midfield battle could prove decisive. If Palace can disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and limit Wirtz and Szoboszlai’s time on the ball, they have a real chance of frustrating the champions.
Possible Starting XIs of Crystal Palace and Liverpool
Crystal Palace: Dean Henderson – Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi – Daniel Muñoz, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell – Ismaïla Sarr, Eberechi Eze – Jean-Philippe Mateta. (3-4-2-1)
Liverpool: Alisson – Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez – Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz – Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitiké, Cody Gakpo. (4-3-3)
Betting Prediction and Odds
Liverpool are clear favorites to lift the Community Shield, but Palace’s form and resilience, especially at Wembley, shouldn’t be overlooked.
One bet that stands out is Both Teams to Score at -125. Liverpool’s defense has looked vulnerable throughout pre-season and in the final weeks of 2024-25, and Palace have found the net in each of their last five matches. With pace on the break and Eze’s ability to unlock defenses, the Eagles should create chances even if they’re under pressure for long spells.
From a value perspective, backing Eberechi Eze to score anytime at +425 is a bet well worth considering. The 27-year-old has a knack for delivering on the big stage and remains Palace’s first-choice penalty taker. With 12 goal contributions in his last 13 appearances for Palace and having played a key role in the FA Cup triumph, Eze represents outstanding value for a player in such strong form and rising stature.
As for the result, it’s hard to look past Liverpool. They possess greater depth and experience, and while Crystal Palace have the potential to spring another Wembley upset, Arne Slot’s men should have enough quality to edge it.
Crystal Palace are a club on an upward trajectory, carrying confidence, form, and an increasingly impressive record at Wembley. They’ve already pulled off one major upset in 2025 – and while Liverpool may have the upper hand, another surprise can’t be completely ruled out.