Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Line-Up and Key Team News Ahead of Carabao Cup Clash
Liverpool will look to regain momentum when they host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup at Anfield tonight. After a mixed run of form in recent weeks, the fixture provides Arne Slot with both a challenge and an opportunity to rotate his squad amid a congested fixture schedule.
Squad Rotation Expected as Slot Manages Workload
With demanding matches against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City on the horizon, Slot is expected to manage his squad carefully. The Dutch coach has been clear about the importance of maintaining energy levels during this testing period. As such, several senior players are likely to be rested while fringe and younger members of the team are handed starts.
Joe Gomez, who has featured sparingly this season, is expected to anchor the defence. He could be joined by Wataru Endo in a makeshift central partnership, allowing Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to take a breather. This would not be the first time Endo has been deployed in a deeper defensive role, with the Japan international’s composure and reading of the game making him a trusted option in rotation matches.
Injuries Create Openings for Fringe Players
Liverpool continue to manage a number of absences, particularly in defensive areas. Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring injury rules him out, paving the way for Conor Bradley to start at right-back once again. The Northern Irishman has impressed in limited appearances this term, showing the tenacity and confidence required to compete at this level.
In midfield, Lewis Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister could form part of a reshaped trio designed to balance control and creativity. With Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones still considered doubts, the young pairing may have more responsibility in linking defence and attack.
Fresh Faces in Attack Offer Slot Tactical Flexibility
Liverpool’s attacking line-up could see further experimentation. Federico Chiesa, recently returning to full fitness, is likely to start on the left, while academy prospect Rio Ngumoha is pushing for another opportunity on the opposite flank. Both are dynamic options capable of stretching opposition defences, offering Slot a chance to evaluate depth across his forward line.
In the number ten role, Florian Wirtz is expected to operate behind striker Hugo Ekitike, whose movement and physicality have impressed the coaching staff. This blend of experience and youthful energy could prove decisive against a Palace side known for their disciplined structure under Oliver Glasner.
Predicted Liverpool Line-Up vs Crystal Palace
Predicted XI: Woodman; Bradley, Gomez, Endo, Robertson; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Ekitike
Injured: Alisson, Frimpong, Leoni
Doubts: Isak, Gravenberch, Jones
Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 7.45pm GMT on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, with live coverage available on Sky Sports.
As Liverpool prepare for another test in their pursuit of silverware, the Carabao Cup represents not just a route to a trophy, but a vital opportunity for Slot to fine-tune his evolving system and assess the depth of his squad. For players on the fringes, tonight’s clash could be a defining chance to stake a claim for greater involvement as the season progresses.
