Liverpool v Leeds scenario mooted for Wembley final

Liverpool could play Leeds United in the Community Shield if the FA Cup winners cannot take part due to European commitments, claims a report.

That’s according to The Times, who suggest that the Football Association may decide to invite the winners of the Championship to the September showpiece, if it goes ahead.

The Community Shield traditionally takes place between the Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners but the paper says “it is an invitational event so the FA can choose any teams it wishes to take part”.

Therefore, if Manchester City or Manchester United triumph and also reach the final of the Champions League and Europa League, respectively, problems will ensue.

The Europa League final will now take place on Friday, August 21, while the Champions League final will go ahead on Sunday, August 23.

That may mean the winners of the second tier could get the gig at Wembley against Liverpool, and Leeds have the chance to regain top spot from West Brom on Thursday when they host Stoke at Elland Road.

If Arsenal or Chelsea win the FA Cup it should be straight forward.

 

Community Shield date

Villa Derby Wembley

The date of the Community Shield, which is hoped could be a test for fans returning to games, has yet to be decided, and will have to be scheduled when the decision is made as to when the 2020-21 season starts.

Premier League clubs are meeting on Thursday to discuss next season’s schedule and they are set to vote for the transfer window to close on October 5, in line with a request from UEFA.

Leicester won the shield in 1971 after being invited to play FA Cup runners-up Liverpool after Double winners Arsenal declined to play due a some money-spinning friendlies in Europe.