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Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Premier League Preview

After an utterly horrendous midweek defeat to visiting Atalanta, the Europa League can now thankfully be ignored until next week, with a thankful return to the Premier League schedule incoming.

I said the reverse in the lead up to the Atalanta game, with the false hope that European football might bring some relief…

The reds are currently sat 3rd in the English top division, however, only goal difference may stop them from rising to the pinnacle of the standings, if both they and Arsenal were to win this weekend. Manchester City won 5-1 over Luton to keep the title race a three-horse race. Following the circumstances of the last week and the disheartening couple of showings within, Liverpool needs both a bounce back performance and a definitive three points taken from Sunday afternoons game.

The Crystal Palace Availability

In terms of availability, the south London team’s new manager, Oliver Glasner, will be without Sam Johnstone, Cheick Doucoure, Marc Guehi, Rob Holding, Christopher Richards, and Matheus Franca de Oliveira. Both Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Jairo Riedewald face late fitness tests.

Regarding recent form, the Eagles lost 2-4 to visiting Manchester City after a 0-1 defeat at Bournemouth. Their pair of negative results followed a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest. After 31-games played, Palace are 15th in the Premier League having taken a disappointing 30-points.

A predicted line up for the away team is listed below, in a 3-4-3 formation. A cautious approach will be taken, especially with key defensive assets missing.

GK – Dean Henderson

RWB – Daniel Muñoz

RCB – Joel Ward

CB – Joachim Andersen

LCB – Jefferson Lerma

LWB – Tyrick Mitchell

CM – Will Hughes

CDM – Adam Wharton

RW – Michael Olise

CF – Jean-Philippe Mateta

LW – Eberechi Eze

The Liverpool Availability

In terms of injures, Thiago Alcântara remains in a continuing form of rehabilitation before his release, however, Stefan Bajčetić, Trent Alexander Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson Becker, are now back in team training. Joël Matip has sustained a season ending ACL injury, one that may have seen him play his last game for the club.

Regarding recent league form, Liverpool failed to overcome United at Old Trafford in their 2-2 draw, before that horrific 0-3 home defeat at the hands of Atalanta. That pair of poor performances arrived after a solid 3-1 home win against Sheffield United, following a 2-1 win over Brighton the weekend prior. The reds currently sit 3rd in the Premier on 71 points, having played 31-games.

Below is the team I believe the reds German manager will start on Sunday, with a desire to return to match winning form.

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Conor Bradley

RCB – Jarell Quansah

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM – Waturu Endō

LCM – Alexis Mac Allister

RF – Mohamed Salah

CF – Darwin Núñez

LF – Luis Díaz

How Will This Contest Play Out

I must believe the reds will finally see the urgency that is desperately required and put in a good performance. A fast start will be required to raise the intensity of the players and the crowd, with important minutes needed for both Trent Alexander Arnold and Diogo Jota, both of whom will be vital substitutions in the second half.

https://twitter.com/anfieldindex/status/1779112178127106245?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

Player to watch – Diogo Jota

Score Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 0 Crystal Palace

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