REDS WILL SLOT BACK TO TOP...

LIVERPOOL might have lost the Community Shield to Crystal Palace last Sunday, but they remain, deservedly, the bookies' favourites to retain their Premier League title this season.

- BY JOHN O'DOWD

As Sky's self-proclaimed 'greatest show on earth' gets underway this weekend, signalling that summer is coming to an end, Arne Slot's side are in pole position for back-to-back league titles.

However, there were enough warning signs on show at Wembley to remind all and sundry at Anfield that, while 2024/25 was a relative stroll, things will be much tighter in 2025/26.

First of all, while Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive deficiencies were clear, his distribution and his assists will be missed, as will the attacking threat of Luis Diaz and the tragic Diogo Jota.

Elsewhere, and the most fervent Kopites might not want to hear this, but Virgil van Dijk is on the downward trajectory. The Dutch defender will become an increasing weakness as the months go on.

The arrival of young Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni is a sign that Liverpool are looking to the future and, if Marc Guehi makes the move from Palace, then Slot can feel less anxious over his defence.

Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike will all need a little time to settle in, with Wirtz, while a great talent offensively, may unbalance the side going the other way.