Preview: Liverpool v Crystal Palace KO: 3pm
Frank De Boer’s Palace side are traveling to Liverpool this weekend with a BIG point to prove after last Saturday’s embarrassing 3-0 thrashing against newly promoted Huddersfield. Fans hope that team confidence hasn’t been knocked too much by the opening game, and that a fresh outlook will be brought to Anfield – where historically the Eagles usually take away the win!
The Eagles have won their last 3 away trips to Liverpool and De Boer will be hoping to make this weekend the 4th consecutive win – which would be a first for any team since Arsenal in 1935. It will be interesting to see if new tactics or new players will be given a run by the new Palace manager or if he will stick to implementing his new questionable style of play?
In his very first game as Palace manager, Frank saw his new side lose 2-0 to Liverpool at the Premier League Asia Trophy in Hong Kong, with Solanke and Origi scoring for the Reds. So De Boer has seen how Klopp’s side plays and will hopefully come well prepared for his next meeting.
The Reds, on the other hand, will be buzzing from their midweek 2-1 win in Hoffenheim in the UEFA Champions League, and will want to put on a show at their opening game at Anfield to put their wobbly 3-3 draw against Watford in their opening game to the back of fans minds.
Klopp’s Liverpool side still have shown some weak defence at the start of this season, especially at Watford, with two of the 3 goals conceded by corners – so Christian Benteke will hopefully lead a strong attack against his former club and take full advantage of the gaps. Benteke has scored 5 times in 3 visits to Anfield as an opposition player so if this trend continues he alone could cause some upset.
De Boer’s Palace defence, however, could equally take a beating from the likes of Mane, Firmino and Salah (if they are all fit) and if the Huddersfield game was anything to go by! That and losing star player Wilfred Zaha to a knee injury is not ideal for the tough few games the Eagles have ahead with Liverpool, United and Man City all before the end of October. It should be a good game at Anfield if Palace brings confidence and determination – either way there could certainly be an opportunity for goals at both ends of the pitch!
Team News Crystal Palace: Zaha is a big loss to the Palace side this weekend and he will be a difficult player for De Boer to replace. After suffering a knee injury against Huddersfield, Zaha now faces 4 weeks on the bench to recover and it is unlikely De Boer will get him back before he is more than ready. Andros Townsend could come into the team, or De Boer may make a swap for youngster Jason Lokilo. The 19-year-old impressed in pre-season games and worked well alongside Benteke but is he ready for a game against Liverpool?
Yohan Cabaye is pushing for a recall after he played for Palace’s U23 in midweek, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek could start in his second Palace match in a more up front position to replace Wilf despite playing better in central midfield alongside Puncheon last weekend.
Liverpool: Klopp confirmed that Philippe Coutinho won’t return for Liverpool this weekend as he is still recovering from a back injury, however Daniel Sturridge could make a dangerous come back after completing a full training session this week – but is unlikely to start and play the full 90 minutes.
Nathaniel Clyne also remains injured with a hamstring and Adam Lallana remains out with a thigh injury.
Officials: Referee: Kevin Friend
Fourth Official: Mike Dean
