The FA Community Shield Kicks Off the 2025/26 Season: Watch It Only On SuperSport on DStv
It’s On: Liverpool’s Tactical Reboot Meets Palace’s Historic Rise
The 2025/2026 Football Season is here, and It’s On for SuperSport viewers on DStv! The 103rd FA Community Shield sets the stage for a thrilling campaign as Premier League champions Liverpool face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 10 at 16:00 CAT.
The Community Shield (formerly the Charity Shield) has long been regarded as the “curtain raiser” for the top-flight English football season and boasts a long history of epic clashes that set the tone for what is to come. Here are three classic Community Shield matches from years gone by to whet your appetite for the clash between the Eagles and the Reds this coming weekend.
Keegan’s Double Sparks Wembley Classic (1974 – Liverpool vs Leeds United):
A managerial debut of Brian Clough for Leeds featured a dramatic clash both on and off the ball. The match finished 1-1 after goals from Trevor Cherry and Kevin Keegan, but it was the infamous altercation between Keegan and Billy Bremner that etched this game into folklore. Both players were sent off for trading punches, leading to scenes rarely seen at Wembley. The two captains even removed their shirts in protest as they left the field – a shocking image at the time.
Cantona’s Hat-Trick Heroics (1992 – Leeds United vs Liverpool):
The final Charity Shield before the Premier League era began with a bang as Leeds United faced Liverpool in 1992, just weeks before top-flight English football was transformed. Frenchman Eric Cantona stole the show at Wembley with a sensational hat-trick – the first in the competition since 1956. Leeds, then the reigning First Division champions, showcased their attacking prowess with Cantona leading the line in devastating fashion. His goals – a mixture of power, composure, and instinct – stunned a strong Liverpool side that featured the likes of John Barnes and Ian Rush.
Despite goals from Dean Saunders and Gordon Strachan (an own goal), Leeds ran out 4-3 winners in a seven-goal thriller. The match is often remembered as Cantona’s springboard to superstardom, foreshadowing his influential role at Manchester United after his transfer later that year
Van Persie’s Statement Strike (2004 – Arsenal vs Manchester United):
In 2004, Arsenal arrived at the Community Shield as unbeaten Premier League champions, riding high on the momentum of their “Invincibles” season. Their opponents, Manchester United, were eager to reassert themselves after finishing third in the league. The match proved a tense, high-quality affair, but it was also the setting for a young Robin van Persie to introduce himself to English football fans in style. Though the Dutchman wouldn’t become a central Arsenal figure until later, his cameo and goal in the 3-1 win was a glimpse of what was to come.
Gilberto Silva and José Antonio Reyes also found the net, with United’s only goal coming from Alan Smith. It was a performance that reinforced Arsenal’s superiority at the time and hinted at a promising future. The clash also intensified the growing rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson – a defining duel of the Premier League era.
Head-to-Head Preview
Liverpool: A New Era Begins
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool clinched their 20th top-flight title and now enter the season with a tactical overhaul. Slot’s system promises fluid transitions and compact defending, powered by new signings Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Milos Kerkez. With Trent Alexander-Arnold now at Real Madrid and defensive stalwarts like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker uncertain, this match offers a first look at how the Reds will adapt.
Liverpool hold a dominant head-to-head record, with 37 wins to Palace’s 15, alongside 14 draws across 66 meetings. In the last Premier League season, Liverpool edged Palace 1-0 away in October, while the return fixture at Anfield ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Mohamed Salah equalizer, capping a season where he matched the Premier League goal-contribution record (a combined 47 goals and assists).
Crystal Palace: First Time, Big Stage
Oliver Glasner led Palace to their first major trophy with a stunning FA Cup win over Manchester City. Now, the Eagles make their Community Shield debut, bringing high-intensity football and Europa League ambitions. With Eberechi Eze—the FA Cup final hero—and new additions Borna Sosa and Walter Benitez, Palace are ready to challenge the elite.
Palace enter the match on the back of an FA Cup-winning run and strong finish to the league season, while Liverpool wrapped up their title with a commanding 4-2 victory over Spurs, albeit followed by a dip in pre-season consistency.
Key Battles & Tactics
Liverpool’s integration of Wirtz, Ekitike, and Frimpongpromises increased creativity and fluid transitions, while the absence of veteran defenders may expose vulnerabilities against Palace’s aerial and wide threats.
Palace will look to harness Eze’s form and Sarr’s pace on the flanks, plus the expected contributions from Europa League-experienced signings such as Sosa. Their fluid, aggressive approach under Glasner could press Liverpool early and test their defensive depth.
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This Season, IT’S ON – Only on SuperSport.
FA Community Shield Broadcast Details
Sunday 10 August
– 16:00: Crystal Palace v Liverpool – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Grandstand
