Community Shield: Arsenal vs Liverpool is live in 159 countries on August 29, 2020

Community Shield: Arsenal vs Liverpool is live in 159 countries on August 29, 2020 – here’s how to watch it

August 28, 2020 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Arsenal, Liverpool, FA Community Shield

The Gunners and the Reds will lock horns in the curtain raiser to English football. Arteta's men will be keen on another piece of silverware but can they beat Van Dijk and Co? Live Soccer TV's preview gives you match facts, team news, and global broadcast listings for Arsenal vs Liverpool.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Preview

Exactly 28 days after their memorable 2020 FA Cup final win over Chelsea, Arsenal will return to the field to face Liverpool in the Community Shield. This is not the Gunners’ first game since their Wembley triumph – they kicked things off with a 4-1 win over MK Dons – but it is their first big game ahead of the 2020/2021 Premier League season.

For Liverpool, this comes 33 days after their title-winning English top-flight campaign ended. Not only have the Reds had more rest, but they’ve also had more preparation ahead of their showdown with the Gunners, playing two pre-season friendly games as opposed to Arsenal’s one. Since their 3-1 win over Newcastle on the final day of the Premier League, Klopp’s side have beaten Stuttgart 3-0 and drawn 2-2 with Salzburg.

Even though a trophy is on the line, this game is not considered a competitive match. Nonetheless, it is one that could set the tone for the upcoming season, especially Arsenal’s. After a turbulent campaign, Arteta’s side finished the season on a high by lifting the FA Cup trophy. While silverware for a second straight season would be appreciated, the ultimate goal in 2020/21 will be to return to the Champions League.

Unfortunately, the club’s transfer dealings have been slow. As of now, the only summer addition at the Emirates Stadium has been Willian on a free deal. Gabriel Magalhaes is close to joining but hasn’t officially made the switch from Lille. The club are also on the hunt for a defensive midfielder, with Thomas Partey and Boubakary Soumaré being on their radar. Given that Dani Ceballos might not return, Arteta might need two additional midfielders – a deep-lying creative one and a no. 10.

As for Liverpool, expect them to enter next season with a near-identical lineup. One player who could join them over the summer is Thiago Alcantara, the midfield maestro who helped Bayern Munich lift the Champions League. Klopp’s goal is to main dominance in England ahead of Man City, Man Utd, and Chelsea and will thus be keen on a win come Saturday.

Team news

Arsenal: Arteta will be without a few defenders, with Mari, Mustafi, and Chambers all being injured. It remains uncertain whether Saliba and Willian will dive straight into the lineup or whether the Gunners will resort to a similar lineup to the one that won them the FA Cup. Emiliano Martínez is a doubt, though, as he was forced to quarantine after returning from holiday in Portugal.

Liverpool: Van Dijk has been declared fit for Saturday’s game, which is a huge boost. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold stands a chance of featuring, which is another positive. Nonetheless, Klopp has a few worrisome absentees, namely captain Jordan Henderson and center-back Joel Matip. Both are expected to be fit for the start of the season but not the Community Shield.

Match facts

The last time these two sides faced off at Wembley, it was Liverpool who emerged victorious, winning that 1989 Community Shield encounter.
The last time Arsenal won back-to-back ties over the Reds was back in September 2012.
The Merseyside giants have won 88 of their 229 clashes with the Gunners, drawing 62 and losing 79.
The north London giants have won nine of their last 11 Community Shield ties, including their last three.
Arsenal is Firmino’s favorite opponent, having scored (8) and being involved (11) in more strikes against the Gunners than any other side.