Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Sun 11 May 2025 15:36, UK

Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday as Arne Slot looks to show the second-place side what his team are made of.

Although the Reds have already got their hands on the Premier League trophy this season, there is already pressure mounting ahead of the new campaign.

Arsenal did not give Slot’s men much competition in the race for top spot this term, but they are expected to strengthen over the summer and become a stronger outfit.

Liverpool are looking to do the same, but the boss will know that a victory on Sunday (11 May) will send an early warning to the league rivals.

Slot unpopular for Alexander-Arnold squad inclusion v Arsenal

Liverpool were on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea last time out, a game in which the boss made plenty of changes to his side.

With that in mind, the Dutchman was expected to come into the game against the Gunners with more rotation, to strengthen his squad for a game that could represent plenty.

Slot has a fairly fit squad available for him to pick from, making his job somewhat easier when deciding who to start.

Unsurprisingly, Trent Alexander-Arnold was not picked to start the game after announcing that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season.

Supporters have not reacted to the news well, with feelings of betrayal due to his exit being on a free transfer, unless Real Madrid were to pay up to get the right-back for the Club World Cup.

With that in mind, Slot has been blasted by supporters for Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion in the squad at all, with many feeling he should never play for Liverpool again, as they questioned “why” and argued he should’ve stayed at home.

Slot ready for next season already

Slot has had an excellent first season in the Premier League, getting his hands on the trophy straightaway.

However, the key now is to keep the standards high and prove that, despite the suggestions, his side’s success was no fluke.

Although Alexander-Arnold’s exit isn’t what supporters at Anfield would have wanted, the Dutchman will already have his mind on the summer transfer window, looking at recruitment that will only make his side stronger instead.

As well as wanting to repeat a Premier League win next term, the manager will be eager for his side to push further in the Champions League and also get their hands on a domestic trophy, having lost out in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle this season.

Victory against Arsenal would no doubt be a sweet moment for the Reds and a clear message that they will be the team to beat once more.