Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Team News, Head-to-Head Record and TV Watching Guide | OneFootball

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Premier League Showdown at Selhurst Park

As we approach the weekend’s Premier League action, Crystal Palace face a daunting task against an in-form Liverpool side that has flourished under new manager Arne Slot. With both teams on opposite trajectories, the contest is shaping up to be an intriguing battle at Selhurst Park.

Strong Start for Slot’s Liverpool

Liverpool’s stellar start to the Premier League season is turning heads. They sit comfortably at the summit of the table, having won five of their first six matches. Under the guidance of Slot, the Reds have shown an impressive balance, excelling both domestically and in Europe. Their back-to-back victories in the revamped Champions League and their smooth progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup demonstrate the newfound energy within the squad.

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This weekend’s clash presents Liverpool with an opportunity to extend their lead over title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal by four points, at least temporarily. Both City and Arsenal are set to play later in the day, meaning Liverpool could apply early pressure with a win.

Slot has effectively built on the solid foundations laid by Klopp, with his team playing a vibrant brand of football that has revitalised fans and pundits alike. Despite a relatively quiet transfer window, Liverpool have maintained momentum, proving that continuity and tactical evolution are key to their success. A trip to Crystal Palace seems like a favourable match-up for the Reds, especially given the Eagles’ early-season struggles.

Crystal Palace’s Tough Start Under Glasner

In contrast to Liverpool’s flying start, Crystal Palace are still searching for their first win of the Premier League season. Oliver Glasner’s team has failed to capitalise on the momentum built from the end of the previous campaign. Having drawn three and lost three of their first six matches, Palace find themselves stuck in the relegation zone, and the initial optimism surrounding Glasner’s first full season at the helm has quickly faded.

Injuries have certainly not helped their cause. The absence of key players like Chadi Riad, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure, and Rob Holding has weakened their defence, while the long-term injury to Matheus Franca further limits their attacking options. A struggling side with a depleted squad doesn’t bode well for the upcoming match against Liverpool.

Key Team News for Both Sides

Liverpool’s squad looks healthier compared to Palace. Although Harvey Elliott remains sidelined due to a foot injury, Slot has an otherwise fit squad to choose from. Federico Chiesa, who missed Liverpool’s midweek victory over Bologna, is a doubt, but Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez both returned to action in that game. Diogo Jota also made an appearance from the bench, signalling Liverpool’s depth.

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For Crystal Palace, the list of absentees is concerning. Alongside those already mentioned, Glasner will be hoping to welcome back Matheus Franca sooner rather than later, but it’s unlikely he will be ready for this clash. The Eagles will need to find a way to deal with Liverpool’s attacking prowess, particularly as they’ve struggled to keep clean sheets this season.

Predictions: Liverpool’s Confidence vs Palace’s Struggles

Liverpool head into this fixture full of confidence. Their only significant blip under Slot has been a surprise defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, but aside from that, they’ve been dominant. Slot’s tactical approach has unleashed a new intensity, with Liverpool’s attacking and midfield units looking sharp and cohesive.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace appear disjointed, especially in defence, where they’ve been vulnerable. Despite Glasner’s reputation as a tactician, his side has not lived up to expectations so far this season. Last weekend’s collapse against fellow relegation strugglers Everton only exacerbated their issues.

Liverpool’s firepower combined with Palace’s frailties points towards an away victory. However, Palace may take heart from their last match against Liverpool back in April, where they pulled off a shock 1-0 win at Anfield. That result, courtesy of an early goal from Eberechi Eze, spoiled Liverpool’s title hopes in Klopp’s farewell season. But history will likely count for little if Palace cannot improve on their current form.

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Head-to-Head: A Recent Palace Triumph Amidst Dominance

Liverpool have dominated recent encounters with Crystal Palace, winning 12 of their last 14 meetings. Palace’s only bright spots in that run came at Selhurst Park last December when they led but eventually lost 2-1 after going down to 10 men, and, of course, their shock win at Anfield. However, the current form of both sides suggests a repeat upset would be a tall order.

With a strong, confident Liverpool side up against a Palace team struggling to find their feet, it’s hard to look beyond an away win this weekend.