This weekend, Crystal Palace will host Liverpool at Selhurst Park as both teams aim to secure three valuable points in the Premier League. In the past two seasons, the two sides have faced each other five times, with Liverpool winning four of those matches and the other ending in a draw. However, Crystal Palace will be hoping to cause an upset and end their run of inconsistent form.
An unlikely rivalryÂ
The unlikely rivalry between Liverpool and Crystal Palace continues as they prepare to face each other on Saturday in the Premier League. Despite Liverpool’s clear domination in past results, with only 11 losses out of 50 competitive matches since 1969, playing at Selhurst Park always strikes fear into the hearts of Liverpool fans.
The article lists the top five most notable games between the two teams, including Liverpool’s biggest win against Palace in 1989 and the infamous 3-3 draw in 2014 that saw Liverpool lose a 3-0 lead and ultimately, forfeit the chance to win the Premier League title.
The most recent fixture in January 2019 saw Liverpool coming away with a 4-3 win, securing a vital victory in their close-to-perfect run towards the title, although ultimately not enough to top Manchester City.
Liverpool and Crystal Palace have faced each other five times in the past two seasons. Liverpool have won four of those matches and one match ended in a draw. The most recent match in August 2022 ended in a 1-1 draw, while Liverpool won the previous four matches. Liverpool scored a total of 10 goals in those five matches and conceded only one.
Here’s a look at the recent form of these two teams:
LiverpoolÂ
Liverpool’s recent form has been inconsistent, with three wins, two draws and three losses in their last seven games, before the win over Newcastle at the weekend. They suffered defeats against Wolves, Brighton and Southampton, and only managed to score one goal in those three games combined.
Their victories came against Crystal Palace and Wolves, as well as in the Merseyside derby against Everton, and they also drew against Chelsea and Man United. Overall, Liverpool’s form has been below their usual high standards but they have shown glimpses of quality in some matches.
Crystal PalaceÂ
Crystal Palace’s recent form is not much better and includes one win, three draws and two losses, before their recent draw with Brentford. They drew 1-1 with Brighton, lost 1-2 to Southampton, lost 0-1 to Manchester United and lost 0-3 to Chelsea. They also drew 1-1 with Manchester United and Newcastle.
Squad newsÂ
It looks as though no new injuries occurred during their high-profile game against Newcastle and before they head to Selhurst Park, and at present, there is positive news as several stars are set to continue their comebacks.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns, which is a rare occurrence this season. The same squad that played against Everton played in the Newcastle game and will, hopefully, feature against Palace too…
Among the returning players on the bench were Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk. Klopp mentioned that Van Dijk appeared to be fully prepared during Thursday’s training. As the injury concerns are easing up, Klopp hopes that it remains that way to enable steady performances.
For Crystal Palace, the news of Wilfried Zaha’s return to training has lifted the spirits of Eagles fans. Zaha had been sidelined for the club’s last two games due to a hamstring injury sustained during their match against Newcastle at Selhurst. However, he has now returned to training, providing a massive boost to manager Patrick Vieira as he looks to secure his first Premier League win this year. Zaha’s return is earlier than expected, as there were concerns that he would be out until March.
The upcoming match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to secure three valuable points in the Premier League. Despite Liverpool’s clear domination in past results, Crystal Palace will be hoping to cause an upset and end their run of inconsistent form.
The unlikely rivalry between these two teams has produced some memorable moments in the past, and fans will be hoping for another thrilling game this weekend. While Liverpool’s recent form has been below their usual high standards, they will be boosted by the return of several key players, including Virgil van Dijk.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will be buoyed by the news of Wilfried Zaha’s early return to training. As always, anything can happen in football, and both teams will be aiming to give their all on the pitch to secure a positive result.
