Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
After setting new records in the Champions League, Liverpool shift their focus back to the Premier League for a Saturday lunchtime clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Reds managed to overcome a few nervy moments in midweek to secure a 2-0 victory against Bologna. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace fell to their first league defeat of the season, becoming Everton’s first Premier League scalp this term.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace enjoyed a resurgence last season under Europa League-winning manager Oliver Glasner, but they have struggled to carry that momentum into the new campaign. Despite Marc Guehi’s early goal in their match against fellow winless side Everton, a quickfire double from Dwight McNeil in the second half consigned the Eagles to yet another defeat.
Sitting 18th in the Premier League table, below Leicester City on goals scored, Palace are in a precarious position. However, Glasner’s job appears safe for now, thanks to his success last season and recent Carabao Cup victories over Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers. Historically, though, the outlook is concerning, as Palace have failed to win any of their first seven Premier League games on four occasions, three of which ended in relegation, the most recent being in the 2004/05 season.
One glimmer of hope for Palace fans is their unexpected 1-0 win at Anfield in April, but Liverpool have not lost at Selhurst Park in nearly a decade, with their last defeat there coming in a 3-1 loss in November 2014.
Team News
Crystal Palace will be missing several key players for their upcoming clash, with Chadi Riad (knee), Christopher Richards (thigh), and Cheick Doucoure (toe) all sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, former Arsenal defender Rob Holding is absent amid reports of a fallout with manager Oliver Glasner.
However, there is some positive news as Matheus Franca is nearing a return from a broken rib, though he is expected to start on the bench. Former Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne will also likely be among the substitutes, along with Trevoh Chalobah, who has yet to make his debut for the Eagles after being an unused substitute in the Everton game.
In attack, Ismaila Sarr could be pushing for a place in the starting lineup, potentially competing with Eddie Nketiah for a spot in the final third.
Liverpool
Arne Slot has already made a strong impression as Liverpool’s new manager, achieving a feat that none of his legendary predecessors – Jurgen Klopp, Bill Shankly, or Bob Paisley – managed. With Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Bologna on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah, Slot became the first Reds boss to win eight of his first nine games in charge across all competitions.
Despite acknowledging that Liverpool faced stiff resistance from Bologna, as well as from Wolverhampton Wanderers in their recent 2-1 Premier League win, Slot’s side continues to excel. That win lifted Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, and another victory this weekend would temporarily extend their lead at the summit to four points.
Currently on a five-game winning streak, with 15 goals scored during that run, Liverpool are in excellent form. Slot also has the chance to make history again, as a win against Crystal Palace would make him only the fourth manager to win his first four Premier League away games.
Team News
Liverpool manager Arne Slot had multiple reasons to celebrate on Wednesday as Darwin Núñez made his return from illness to lead the line, with Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson also overcoming recent injuries to feature in the Champions League victory.
However, Federico Chiesa was a notable absentee due to an undisclosed issue, and his availability for the weekend clash at Selhurst Park remains uncertain. Additionally, Harvey Elliott is sidelined with a foot fracture, and he is expected to return only after the international break.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah continues to chase history. After becoming the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive Champions League home games, he now has the chance to become the first Premier League player to score in his team’s first four away games in two different seasons.
Conclusion
While Crystal Palace have occasionally managed to upset Liverpool at Anfield, they rarely manage to outsmart the Reds at Selhurst Park. The Eagles have conceded 38 goals at home to Liverpool in the Premier League—more than against any other opponent.
That total is likely to rise to 40 on Saturday, even if Arne Slot’s side shows signs of fatigue. With the Dutchman possessing several strong rotation options, Liverpool should have enough firepower to secure victory and extend their lead at the top of the table by four points, at least temporarily.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
