The two teams seem to be having different ambitions. Liverpool will hope to remain in top four at the end of the season while Crystal Palace dream will be to improve and remain in the Premier League. In addition, Liverpool will be trying to win their first league since 1992 as they're also eager to test their first Premier League title that's now 25 years old. Who will come on top in this fixture?
Talking points
This is a fixture that has mostly won by the visiting team. In fact, in the previous meeting, it's only the last game that Liverpool managed to win at home.
The last five meetings have seen only winners, so a draw could be a wild card here. Liverpool remains unbeaten in 25 out of 27 league matches at Anfield. However, the host will be worry of their opponents who have won three of the four games played at Anfield.
The Eagles' new manager, Frank De Boer was greeted with a shocking defeat that his team suffered at the hands of league newcomers, Huddersfield Town. The Dutch tactician will be worrying about his side incapability to score goals in the last 5 league games. However, the biggest gift that the visitors will have is Christian Benteke, who previously played for Liverpool after quitting Aston Villa. The Belgian striker is fond of scoring goals against The Reds, and I expect him not to disappoint in this tie.
Liverpool will be playing their first home match after their late dramatic 3-3 draw at Watford in a game that Liverpool were trailing the host at the break. Liverpool quickly went ahead minutes after the break but couldn't hold on to their one-goal advantage as they saw Miguel Brittos equalize in the final minute of the game for Watford.
Liverpool will be happy of their scoring prowess that has seen them bag at least 3 goals in the previous three league games.
Team news and Possible Line-Ups
Liverpool face their opponent without Philippe Coutinho who's injured and could be well on his way to Barcelona. Another big miss will be Daniel Sturridge who's nursing an injury.
This fixture will come too soon for the former Southampton midfielder, Adam Lallana who's still injured.
Other Liverpool players who will miss this fixture are Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Ings and Mamadou Sakho. I expect, Joel Matip to lead a quartet of defender comprising of the young Alexander-Arnold, Alberto Moreno and Dejan Lovren. The club captain, Jordan Henderson is likely to play the midfield role while new signing Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will lead the goal quest.
After suffering a shocking loss to league newcomers, the game will come too early for the Eagles who will miss services of key players. Bakary Sako and Wilfried Zaha will be sidelined with injuries while Pape Suoare, Johan Cabaye and James McArthur remain doubtful for the tie.
However, Conor Wickham will have to face a late fitness test to see if he can feature at some point of the game.
I expect Christian Benteke to lead the attack in front of a six-man packed midfield. Wayne Hennessey is expected to begin in between the sticks while Scott Dann will lead in making a strong shield around their goal.
Probable line-ups
Liverpool: Simon Mignolet, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren, Jordan Henderson, Giorgio Wiljnadum, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Saidio Mane.
Crystal Palace: Wayne Hennessey, Scott Dann, Jairo Riedewald, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Luka Milivojevic, Johan Cabaye, Joel Ward, Jason Puncheon, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Patrick Van Aanholt and Christian Benteke.
Prediction
This is a tough one to call given that Liverpool are just returning from Germany after a midweek Champions League qualifier fixture. Fatigue will surely show on Jurgen Klopp's side which will be determined not to disappoint in front of the home fans. I foresee a goal fest game with both sides getting at least a goal in a contest that has no minnow. Final result 4-2 in favor of the hosts.
