Liverpool must compete for cup silverware this campaign.
Liverpool would be wise to take this tie seriously. This is a one off competition they need to win. By defeating Arsenal, they will send a loud clear message to the rest of the league, that they will not be so easily driven out to kennel like a beaten, stray, mangy hound.
Liverpool will be seeking to revenge a tough 3-1 loss to the Gunners a few short weeks ago.
Likewise Jurgen Klopp needs to give credence and serious consideration for the FA Cup competition. At the very least these are two competitions this season they need to pursue with a vengeance, and a solid commitment to purpose. They need to win both.
The Premier League and Champions League competitions are obviously the highest priority, something they will want to pursue to the very best of their collective abilities. This is a no-brainer, actually.
But the Community Shield and the FA Cup are prizes Klopp has not stressed enough importance in, these past few years. The last FA Cup final for the Reds was Jordan Henderson’s first season with the Reds.
Liverpool have been to 14 FA Cup finals winning seven. It is high time they make it eight.
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In last year’s Community shield the hungover Reds were still flying high off their Champions League victory in Madrid. So the lose to rivals Manchester City; at the beginning of summer, could be rationalized and understood.
The lads could be forgiven for this laps; considering that they wouldn’t lose a Premier League match ’til the away tie at Watford in March 2020.
Everyone will have eyes on the Shield tie at Wembley to see just how Klopp and the Reds will be setting up for the fall campaign. A poor showing here will erode confidence going forward and set an undesirable tone to the upcoming season.
This match will be a good tune-up and a solid test of their resolve and commitment for the onslaught to come. This should be considered match day one, in their pursuit of another amazing and rewarding campaign.
By the same token, Klopp should play the young guns and seconds – the bench squad for the Carabao Cup ties. This will give the starting XI a much needed break from a relentless pile up of matches that tend to happen when competing in a European group stage through the fall.
Furthermore, it will give the rest of the squad a chance to get some serious time on the pitch to keep them match fit in case it becomes necessary to bring in one of these lads as an injury replacement for a starter.
Strategically speaking, this makes the most sense by my reckoning. This puts them in the hunt for four pieces of silverware. A lofty goal to be sure, but one that is within reach if they can maintain their mental toughness, and consistency. Providing they can remain healthy of course.
Up the Reds!!!