With a first trophy up for grabs when the Reds’ go up against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield encounter, Jurgen Klopp’s men will be hoping to kickstart their 2020-21 season with the best possible start.
And the lineup selected by the Liverpool FC boss does make note of the German’s intent to go all out against Mikel Areta’s side at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
The trio of Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, and Trent Alexander Arnold had been ruled out of the curtain-raiser fixture against the Gunners, as confirmed by Klopp in the pre-match interview.
Wembley awaits.
COME ON YOU REDS! ✊🔴✊#CommunityShield | #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/nM1IMfw6Y0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2020
However, despite a recent series of injury setbacks to key first-team players of the Reds’ squad, a more than able playing XI has been chosen for Saturday afternoon’s game.
The tireless workhorse James Milner comes in for Henderson at the center of the park alongside Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho. The 34-year old midfielder’s ability to handle pressure in big games must have been the reason for him to start over Naby Keita or Curtis Jones.
In Arnold’s absence, the increasingly familiar figure of Liverpool FC academy graduate Neco Williams is fielded on the right side of the Reds’ back four.
The lethal front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohammad Salah, and Sadio Mane, remains unchanged despite Rhian Brewster’s terrific pre-season form. The 20-year old forward finds himself on the bench, accompanied by the returning loanee Marko Grujic.
Here are how both the teams line up for the upcoming clash:
Arsenal FC XI
📋 Team news bang on time! ⏰
🏆 Here's how we line up for today's game…
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 29, 2020
Liverpool FC XI
📋 Today's #CommunityShield team news… #ARSLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2020
