This weekend clash at Selhurst Park pits two sides with very different vibes as the home team scrapes for every point in the drop zone while the visitors look to end a rough patch of two straight losses. The fixture marks the last action before the international break and the stakes feel sky high for Crystal Palace who need something positive to carry into the pause.
Team Form
Palace sit on just seven points from nine games and find themselves deep in the relegation scrap after three straight defeats without scoring a single goal. They shipped five against Brighton, two at Newcastle and another two at Tottenham while leaking twenty one goals overall the worst record in the league. The only bright spark came in Europe where they snatched a late equaliser against Hoffenheim through Daichi Kamada.
- Three clean sheet losses in a row
- Twenty one goals conceded in the league
- Strong home support expected to lift the mood
Liverpool on the other hand sit sixth with fifteen points after a run of four wins that included Brentford Villarreal Brighton and Chelsea before dropping points to Arsenal and Fenerbahce. Their away form in the league remains perfect with three wins from three outings.
Tactical Analysis
Palace will line up in a three defender shape with Adam Wharton anchoring midfield and the fit again Jorgen Strand Larsen sharing the striking duties alongside Eddie Nketiah for up to seventy five minutes. The absence of Mateta through suspension plus injuries to Sarr Tomiyasu and Riad leaves them thin but the return of key players offers hope of more balance going forward.
- Wharton cleared for domestic action despite midweek red
- Three at the back to counter Liverpool threat
- Need to score first to build confidence
Visitors will rely on the likes of Florian Wirtz Cody Gakpo Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak if Ryan Gravenberch fails a late fitness test on his heel. Without him Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai drop into the base while the attack stays fluid and capable of hitting on the break.
Tactical Analysis
Expect Palace to sit compact and look for quick transitions while Liverpool probe with width and movement in behind. The international break means both coaches will want to avoid fresh injuries and the match could hinge on set pieces where Palace have looked vulnerable.
My types lean towards a narrow away win but value exists in the under two and a half goals market given how cagey these sides can be. Back Liverpool to win 2-1 as the strongest play for the weekend.
