Premier League football will return to Selhurst Park on Saturday as Crystal Palace will host Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Roy Hodgson’s side have won just one out of their last five games in the league, and face an uphill task against a team who have dropped points just once in the league this season.
Palace have struggled against Liverpool in recent seasons, having lost their last four games against Jürgen Klopp’s side. We will have to go back to 2017, which was the year Palace last beat Liverpool.
Liverpool are usually a bit patchy after the international breaks, and Palace will have to take full advantage of that if they are to stop Klopp’s side at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace Team News
Joel Ward and Wilfried Zaha are doubtful, and could be assessed before the game. It’s likely, though, that they will be fit in time for the clash.
Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup vs Liverpool (4-5-1)
Defence
Vicente Guaita could have a busy game if the Liverpool forwards are on their game come Saturday. He is expected to keep his place in the Crystal Palace lineup.
James Tomkins and Gary Cahill will have the tough task of dealing with Roberto Firmino. They can ill-afford to get dragged out of their position, as that is one challenge of facing a false 9 like Firmino
Former Liverpool man Martin Kelly could be a handy option if Ward fails to make it in time for the clash. Meanwhile, Patrick van Aanholt is expected to keep his place in the left-back role.
Midfield
Luka Milivojevic is almost certain to start in central midfield as he has been a reliable player for the Eagles. The 28-year-old brings a lot of tenacity, and can also distribute the ball well.
Cheikhou Kouyate and James McArthur should retain their places in the Crystal Palace lineup. With Liverpool expected to see a lot of the ball, the midfield’s work-ethic will need to be high.
Although Zaha has been far from convincing so far this season, he is expected to get the nod to start as the left-winger. Meanwhile, Andros Townsend has been doing a decent job on the opposite flank, and could keep his place.
With Andy Robertson unavailable for Liverpool, Townsend could have some joy against James Milner on the right flank.
Attack
Crystal Palace have backed Jordan Ayew, and the forward has scored 4 goals in 11 league appearances. He is set to lead the line once again, but will find it hard against the in-form Dejan Lovren and Virgil van Dijk.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
