Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

Verdict: Liverpool to Win and Over 2.5 Goals

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmakers: William Hill

Struggling Crystal Palace welcome high-flying Liverpool to Selhurst Park for a match of significance for both sides. The Eagles find themselves firmly in the middle of a relegation battle, but a positive result here could see Roy Hodgson’s men put some distance between themselves and the drop zone. The Reds meanwhile are fighting with a top four finish and will look to continue their impressive form in order to secure Champions League football for next season.

Crystal Palace

It’s interesting that Crystal Palace have slipped under the radar somewhat in the battle to avoid relegation, perhaps due to the large number of teams in danger, but the Eagles are certainly at risk. They currently sit 16th, two points above the drop zone and with a middle of the pack goal difference. The simple fact that there are so many teams that could go down this season is certainly something that could help Roy Hodgson’s men, but their recent form certainly isn’t.

The London side have only won just one of their last eight games in the Premier League, conceding 15 goals and scoring just seven times across that stretch of games. It is the inability to keep clean sheets that has really held Palace back, preventing them from turning draws into narrow wins and narrow defeats into draws. Interestingly the Eagles managed a 0-2 win away at Huddersfield last time out, but whether that will spark a streak of good form remains to be seen.

Team News

Scott Dann has a knee injury that will keep him out for a while. Jeffrey Schlupp and Joel Ward meanwhile have knocks that make them doubts for this game.

Elsewhere both Bakary Sako and Jason Puncheon are out with ankle and knee injuries respectively, while Connor Wickham is lacking match fitness.

Liverpool 

Contrary to their opponents this weekend, Liverpool have had a barnstorming season, climbing to third in the Premier League table ahead of this clash. The Reds have scored a crazy 73 goals in their 31 top-flight games and are vastly improved defensively since Virgil van Dijk joined from Southampton in January. In fact Jurgen Klopp’s men have lost just two of their last 22 games in the league, and have conceded just five times in their last nine games across all competitions. Their good form has been a catalyst for the push for a top four finish and the Champions League spot that comes with that.

The man behind so much of Liverpool’s success this season has been Mohamed Salah, who has registered an impressive 28 goals and nine assists, leading the way in the Premier League goal scoring charts and Player of the Season odds. The one concern for the Reds this weekend will be having one eye on their upcoming Champions League fixture, which could distract from the game against Palace. The Eagles likely won’t have enough to beat Klopp’s men if they turn up with anything resembling their season long form.

Team News

In defence Dejan Lovren’s ankle issue could see him face a late fitness test, while Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne are both out.

Emre Can is the only other potential absentee due to a back injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Crystal Palace have won just one of their last eight Premier League games.
• The Eagles have also conceded 15 times in that stretch of games.
• Liverpool meanwhile have lost just two of their last 22 top flight games.
• The Reds have scored a ludicrous 73 goals in 31 their league games.
• The last game between these two sides ended in a 1-0 win for Liverpool.

Conclusion

Liverpool have been flying recently, scoring goals for fun and tearing teams apart both in the Premier League and in Europe. It is difficult to see any other result than a clear Reds win against a Crystal Palace side that has been struggling for form in recent weeks.

Verdict: Liverpool to Win and Over 2.5 Goals

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmakers: William Hill