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The end of a long wait without competitive action is fast approaching with Liverpool preparing to begin the defence of the record-equalling 20th championship secured in emphatic fashion last season.

The Reds final warm-up game comes in the form of the traditional curtain-raiser to the campaign on Sunday afternoon when they take on Crystal Palace at Wembley having ended last season with a 1-1 draw against the Londoners at Anfield.

And here the ECHO writers consider how Liverpool could line up for the clash against the FA Cup winners...



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So the proper stuff is back for Liverpool then.

The Germany international looks a hugely exciting talent.

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Alisson Becker can start to build up some fitness and momentum having missed a chunk of pre-season for private reasons, while Ibrahima Konate will partner Virgil van Dijk in the hope that both come through unscathed.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Okay, it may not be a competitive match.

So it's a good chance to see what Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones can do as a parnership.

The rest of the team picks itself, with Conor Bradley unlikely to be risked at right-back meaning a start for Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez ahead of Andy Robertson at left-back.

Alisson Becker is back and needs time in goal, with Ibrahima Konate joining Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.

Record signing Florian Wirtz plays behind the front three of Cody Gakpo on the left, Mohamed Salah on the right and new boy Hugo Ekitike up front.

Expect strong minutes from Rio Ngumoha in the second half, however.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

The Community Shield offers Liverpool not only the first chance of silverware of the season, but also acts as their final dress rehearsal before the start of their Premier League campaign.

Arne Slot needs to go strong.

Alisson Becker is available again, and after limited action throughout pre-season so far, he needs to start in goal to get some much-needed minutes.

Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are both handed debuts at full-back, with Virgil van Dijk returning from illness to partner Ibrahima Konate and captain the side.

Dominik Szoboszlai joins Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister still feeling his way back from injury.

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Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike starts in attack with Florian Wirtz at number 10 as the pair are also handed debuts, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo completing the XI on the flanks.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.