Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Preview, Tips and Predictions

This weekend, Crystal Palace will host Liverpool at Selhurst Park in a Premier League clash on Saturday, October 5th, 2024. While Liverpool are looking to maintain their strong start to the season and reclaim the top spot, Crystal Palace are still searching for their first win, having struggled so far in this campaign. Here's a detailed preview of the match.

Crystal Palace: Current Form and Tactics

Crystal Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, have had a tough start to the season. They are currently 18th in the league, winless in their last six games, and coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Everton. Injuries to key players like Eberechi Eze, Cheick Doucoure, and goalkeeper Dean Henderson have compounded their difficulties. Palace are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise providing width and Odsonne Edouard leading the attack.

Predicted Crystal Palace Line-up:

Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Richards; Olise, Schlupp, Ayew; Edouard

Palace's strategy will likely involve sitting deep and looking to hit Liverpool on the counterattack through the pace of Ayew and Olise.

Liverpool: Current Form and Tactics

Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, have been in excellent form, with five wins from their last six Premier League games. The Reds are aiming for another three points to secure their place at the top of the table. Despite a few injury concerns—Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker are out—Liverpool’s squad depth and attacking power remain formidable.

Slot will most likely deploy his preferred 4-3-3 system, with Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Diaz forming a dangerous attacking trio. Midfield control will be managed by Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo.

Predicted Liverpool Line-up:

Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Núñez, Diaz

Liverpool’s plan will focus on dominating possession, utilizing their high press, and attacking down the flanks through Salah and Diaz.

Key Players

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): The full-back is in fantastic form and has contributed either a goal or assist in his last four games. His passing range and attacking threat will be key for Liverpool.

Odsonne Edouard (Crystal Palace): As Palace’s focal point in attack, Edouard’s finishing and movement will be crucial to any chances they create against a solid Liverpool defense.

Tactical Battle

Palace will aim to stay compact defensively, but their lack of creativity without Eze may hinder their ability to break Liverpool's high press. Liverpool, on the other hand, will try to exploit the wings, especially with Alexander-Arnold pushing forward. Their high line may leave them vulnerable to Palace’s counterattacks, but they should dominate possession and create the better chances.

Betting Tips and Prediction

Liverpool to win: Liverpool’s strong form and Palace’s injuries make the visitors heavy favourites.

• Both teams to score (No): Liverpool have kept clean sheets in six of their last eight meetings against Palace, and given Palace's lack of attacking form, a clean sheet for Liverpool seems likely.
• Over 2.5 goals: With Liverpool's attacking power, expect goals in this match.

Prediction:

Crystal Palace 0-3 Liverpool

Liverpool’s superior form and attacking talent should see them comfortably claim victory against a struggling Palace side