A new look Liverpool side will host an impressive Crystal Palace this Sunday, the three points up for grabs would be huge for both sides.
The Anfield outfit appear significantly vibrant after the hiring of Jurgen Klopp, so far the German has coached six matches, the first three resulted in draws but the last three have seen Klopp’s first victories in the Capital One Cup, Premier League and Europa League respectively. Last weekend’s 3-1 roast against Chelsea was without doubt the most impressive. Liverpool are located in eighth position with 17 points and a neutral goal differential, trailing table toppers, Manchester City and second placed Arsenal by eight points.
Crystal Palace will be keen to build on their great display against Manchester United last week, the match ended 0-0 but Alan Pardew and his men were rather disappointed they could not claim all three points against The Red Devils. Palace have been fantastic in patches so far this season, winning five domestic matches, but have lost three of their last five in all competitions. The Eagles sit in 10th spot with 16 points and a +1 goal difference.
Key battle – Christian Benteke vs Dwight Gayle
Christian Benteke returned from injury last week with the match sealing goal from off the bench. The Belgian has scored four times from six starts in 2015-16, already proving his quality and willingness to flourish at Liverpool. Crystal Palace are renowned for their physicality, in recent meetings this has caused the Reds severe grief. In Benteke, Liverpool finally have a forward with a strong presence and exceptional aerial abilities, which will be beneficial for their attacking hopes.
Dwight Gayle has scored four goals against the Merseyside club, proving to be a thorn in their side time-after-time. This campaign, the 26-year-old is yet to open his account, but it would be quite ideal if the Englishman was to break his drought against a squad he cannot stop scoring against. Just four starts amid six total appearances this season is possibly a key factor in Gayle’s lack of goals, though the forward’s pace will help his case this weekend against a familiar foe.
Team news
Klopp predominately conducts his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation and it is highly likely that will be the case again this Sunday. The team selection, however, will not be decided easily as youngster Jordan Ibe played exceptionally well away to Rubin Kazan.
After struggling in his first five appearances under new management, Phillipe Coutinho will surely keep his place in the Liverpool XI after his wonderful brace against Chelsea.
Lucas Levia may be the player to make way for a Benteke inclusion, while Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana should also start. Daniel Sturridge is still missing from action, and after Benteke started on the bench against Chelsea under precautionary circumstances, it is expected that Klopp will opt for the Belgian to lead from the front.
Pardew’s main injury concern is Connor Wickham, arguably the best strike option for the Selhurst Park outfit. This means Gayle should be guaranteed the forward position considering his brilliant record against Liverpool.
It would be far from surprising if Crystal Palace were to lineup unchanged as they outplayed United last week, engineering nine more chances, six of those on target.
It is likely that Wayne Hennessey will remain the preferred option in the Crystal Palace goal after starting the majority of matches in 2015-16.
Head-to-head
Liverpool lead the head-to-head meetings between the two with 22 wins, Crystal Palace have won 12 and 11 matches have resulted in draws.
Previous meeting
The two sides last met on May 17 2015, where the Eagles emerged 3-1 winners at Anfield in Steven Gerrard’s last match at Anfield. Liverpool hit the front via Adam Lallana, but second-half goals from Puncheon, Zaha and Glenn Murray sealed an unforgettable outing for the Merseysiders.
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Prediction
Both teams will be eager to emerge victorious for many reasons, Liverpool will want to continue their improved form to further impress the new boss and knock on the top four door. They will also like to break the Crystal Palace curse once and for all. Pardew and his men will be bursting with confidence given recent meetings, a win for the away side will be another vital three points in avoiding relegation and a huge step forward towards further progression as a club. It will be a tight and enticing contest.
Liverpool 2 Crystal Palace 1
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