The 19/20 Premier League starts next week and that means the two giants from last season get to battle this weekend to land the first psychological blow of the new campaign.
The Community Shield is against the first and second sides from last season, Man City and Liverpool, and while it’s not a real trophy, the game is definitely more than just a friendly.
The Liverpool starting XI will likely look very similar to the team of last season – Jurgen Klopp hasn’t made any significant signings this summer, much to the disappointment of fans.
Goalkeeper
Alisson has been a massive success at Liverpool and it would be a major shock if he wasn’t between the sticks at Wembley on Sunday. He’s the solid number one at Anfield and a big part of them boasting the best defence in the Premier League last season.
Defence
Klopp has an option in the centre but the flanks are one of the club’s biggest strengths. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have become a huge part of the Liverpool attack, with 23 assists between them in the league last season. Virgil van Dijk is possibly the best centre-back in the world at the moment, definitely in the Premier League, and he’s likely to start alongside Joel Matip, although Joe Gomez is in with a shot at starting.
Midfield
The area of the pitch that changes the most for Liverpool. Jordan Henderson could well start but Klopp is likely to start with Fabinho in the defensive mid position, with Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita ahead of him.
Attackers
Sadio Mane hasn’t returned to Anfield following his exertions at the African Cup of Nations but Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah should start. Harry Wilson started out on the left in the last pre-season friendly against Lyon and will be hoping to break through into the senior team next season. However, Divock Origi will likely get the nod to start on Sunday.
Key battle
Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus might not start after the Copa America and that could see Raheem Sterling leading the line for Man City. If that happens then it will be Sterling v VVD that could decide the match.
Watch it!
Man City v Liverpool kicks-off at 3pm on Sunday and is being shown live by BT Sport in the UK.
Verdict
It’s a game that really could go either way but we don’t think either team will be playing at full throttle on Sunday. We can see goals and think honours could be shared with the destination of the first trophy of the season being decided on penalties.
Man City 2 – 2 Liverpool
This is the starting XI we expect Klopp to announce on Sunday:
