- Crystal Palace face Liverpool
- Three Eagles could have a huge say
- Arne Slot’s Reds in dire need of a win
Crystal Palace collide with Liverpool on Saturday, and it’s a fixture that often springs up surprises. From Crystanbul back in 2014 to ruining Jurgen Klopp’s farewell in 2024, there have been some magical encounters.
The stakes are high for the hosts at Anfield as Arne Slot is under huge pressure to guide his side to Champions League qualification. After spending £400m last summer, many expected the Reds to push on and dominate English football.
That hasn’t happened and instead the Merseysiders find themselves fifth in the table with five games left. Fortunately for them, Brighton & Hove Albion are their closest competitors in the top-five race, sitting five points behind and having played one game more.
Liverpool will still be expected to beat Palace at home and to end their season strongly. But there are three of Oliver Glasner’s team that might just prevent that from happening on Saturday.
Ismaila Sarr
The Senegalese attacker is enjoying one of the best seasons any Palace player in history. He has already registered 17 goals in 36 games across competitions and is in the mix for the Conference League Golden Boot.
Liverpool’s defence has been vulnerable this season and Milos Kerkez hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. The Hungarian could have his work cut out for him up against the Eagles’ in-form winger.
If Ismaila Sarr is on song, it could be a good day for Glasner and his troops. He’s always up for the big occasion.
Adam Wharton
Liverpool are ironically thought to be one of several top European clubs eyeing Adam Wharton this summer. The English midfielder is reportedly expecting to leave Selhurst Park and Anfield could be his destination.
Wharton has enjoyed a fine season albeit a shaky patch during the winter. He has appeared 44 times across competitions, providing seven assists.
The 22-year-old is set to return from an injury sustained against Fiorentina last Thursday. Whether he starts is anyone’s guess but he could steal the show in the middle of the park.
Dean Henderson
You can’t argue against naming Dean Henderson Palace’s Player of the Season. That’s not just because of his excellent consistency between the sticks but the leadership he’s shown.
Henderson has stepped up as captain following Marc Guehi’s departure in January. You can clearly see his influence on his teammates, including Rio Cardines, who spoke highly of the 29-year-old.
If the English shot-stopper is at his best on Merseyside, it could be a difficult day for Slot’s Reds. He might also relish the chance to ruin their surge for Champions League qualification having started his career at rivals Manchester United.
