Crystal Palace v Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Predictions
Liverpool have a chance to provisionally sit first on the Premier League table when they travel to Selhurst Park to lock horns with Crystal Palace on Saturday, December 9th.
With early season talk surrounding Aston Villa’s remarkable rise under Unai Emery, Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the season and a potent Arsenal side, Liverpool are quietly keeping themselves at arm’s length with the pacesetters.
A 2-0 win over Sheffield United must’ve calmed the nerves of some fans, particularly after the whirlwind 4-3 victory at home to Fulham. Nevertheless, Liverpool continue to entertain the masses with their brand of football that could even leave the viewer enthralled.
The midfield reshuffle and depth has paid off thus far, and it will give Jurgen Klopp the confidence to claim his 13th win against the Eagles as manager.
Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson, who bore the brunt of an angry Crystal Palace crowd in the 2-0 defeat against AFC Bournemouth, has lost each of his last eight PL matches versus Liverpool. Indeed, Palace last won a game over a month ago, having now gone on a run of three losses in their last four.
Can they rise to the occasion against the big side, or will Liverpool strengthen their claims of a title charge? Here’s all you need to know ahead of the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have been heavily depleted, with two key absentees in the form of Cheick Doucoure (achilles – potentially out for the season) and Eberechi Eze (ankle) being the prime reason for their demise in recent outings.
Full-back Tyrick Mitchell was substituted off before the half-hour mark in the previous game, becoming the newest member of an already packed medical bay. Former Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne should deputize in his stead.
Rob Holding and Dean Henderson will continue their spell on the sidelines.
Liverpool
Joel Matip’s ACL tear is a hammer blow to Liverpool, while Alexis MacAllister could be in doubt ahead of this fixture after picking up a knee injury in the early stages at Bramall Lane.
Wataru Endo has stepped up in brilliant fashion, offering much-needed control and calmness in the middle. As he could be made ready for another start, Liverpool will be without the services of goalkeeper Alisson, Andrew Robertson, Diogo Jota, Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara.
Predicted XI
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Clyne; Richards, Lerma; Olise, Schlupp, Ayew; Edouard
Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Match Prediction
It’s not the best place to visit, but if there is a time to travel to Selhurst Park, it’s now. Liverpool have the pace on the break, and therefore, they should outclass Palace’s flat back line.
Predicted score: Crystal Palace 0-3 Liverpool
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Tim Reckmann. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.