Liverpool v Crystal Palace: Match preview

Liverpool look to snap a two-match losing streak and climb back up the EPL table as they travel to Selhurst Park to face the Crystal Palace Eagles on November 8th. Crystal Palace is in the relegation zone with 7 points, so this is a match the Reds have to get all three points out of, even on the road

Jump to the score prediction

Where to watch, TV channel and kickoff time

Liverpool team news and injury updates

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch will be a match-time decision after missing the last match at Fenerbahce with a heel injury.

“The only doubt we will have is Ryan,” head coach Andoni Iraola said at his pre-match press conference.
“The others will be the same as we have been. Let’s see if he can deal with the pain and he can help us.”

For more information on the other injuries, check out LFC Globe’s injury page.

As for the match with the Eagles, Iraola admitted things had to change for Liverpool for the Reds to be able to turn things around.

“I think that’s the challenge, especially in a club like Liverpool,” he said. “One week ago in this same press conference, we were on a run, everything was in a good place and we were in a better mood.  And now, two defeats, it changes. It has to change and it has to be like this in a club like ours. Now we have to react after two defeats.  We need the win against Palace away and we’ve been, I think, in similar situations – I remember Bournemouth before the international break, even the Brentford game. So, we have to go there and do the job and win the game.”

Opposition scout

The Eagles have lost three in a row in the EPL, but managed a draw their last time out in the Europa League. TSG Hoffenheim. They struggle defensively, surrendering 21 goals in 9 EPL games, so Liverpool’s attacking players are set to have a field day. Crystal Palace also struggles to score, as their leading goal-scorer in the EPL is Tyrick Mitchell with 2.

Andoni Iraola says the Eagles can still present a threat, however.

“I think it’s a team that has good quality players inside,” he said. “They put in their box in the middle [Adam] Wharton, [Daichi] Kamada, Yeremy Pino, [Quinten] Timber – all the players that can play there are good on the ball. And also, it’s a pitch that is not the biggest pitch, so you feel quickly under pressure in terms of one throw-in, one long ball, straight away it goes into the boxes. 

“So, there is a lot of situations inside the boxes that you have to be very good offensively and defensively.”

Key tactical battle

Dominik Szoboszlai vs. Adam Wharton. This is likely going to be the best midfield battle in the EPL. Wharton is a solid player, but he is more defensively minded due to Crystal Palace’s struggles. If Szoboszlai and Trey Nyoni can press a little higher up the pitch, they should be able to create plenty of opportunities for themselves and others

Head-to-head record and recent meetings

Surprisingly, Liverpool have only won 2 out of the last 6 meetings with Crystal Palace. One of them came in April last season, a 3-1 win with Florian Wirtz scoring the decisive goal.

Score prediction and LFC Globe Verdict

Like Andoni Iraola said, Liverpool need this win and all the signs point to it. The Eagles are struggling, particularly on defense and the Reds will be ready to show a big response after two straight defeats. I say Liverpool wins 3-0, heading off to the international break with momentum.

LFC Globe Predicts: Liverpool 3–1 Crystal Palace

Have your say

Do you think the Reds are headed toward a lopsided victory? Drop a comment below.