Crystal Palace v Liverpool · Do you back Jacob Conley's predicted XI?
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Liverpool is in desperate need of three points vs. a struggling Crystal Palace side so expect the Reds to put their most experienced XI on the pitch vs. the Eagles at Selhurst Park. Ryan Gravenberch is still dealing with an injured heel and could be available off of the bench but I don’t expect him to start.
Our predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Crystal Palace
Andoni Iraola is predicted to go with a typical 4-2-3-1 lineup similar to the one employed vs. Fenerbahce in the Champions League. I see a pair of changes in the back where Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas are replaced by Milos Kerkez and Ronald Araújo. Though not a straight swap, I expect Alexis Mac Allister to play back in the midfield for Trey Nyoni and Florian Wirtz to slide in that more advanced attacking role
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Jérémy Jacquet, Ronald Araújo, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Alexander Isak.
Liverpool bench: Federico Chiesa, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Harvey Davies, James McConnell, Jayden Danns, Joe Gomez, Joshua Sonni-Lambie, Lewis Koumas, Luke Chambers, Michael Laffey, Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, Wellity Lucky.
Key selection calls: Defence, midfield and attack
What is behind these four changes? Experience: As much as Nyoni has impressed, he needs a break, and with the Eagles’ best player, Adam Wharton, routinely dominating the midfield, Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai can neutralize him. Defensively, Liverpool need their best defenders on the back line after giving up three goals last time out. Up top, Alexander Isak is the naturul choice as he scored directly after coming off of the bench vs. Fenerbahce.
Selection dilemmas and game-changers off the bench
The biggest controversy would be dropping Nyoni to the bench. After all, he earned a perfect rating in the last match. But the lad needs a break. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. Bigger games are coming and the last thing we need is for him to pick up an injury and be out for an extended period of time. He still could play about 20 minutes off the bench and have a big impact.
LFC Globe Verdict and pick your starting XI
I think Liverpool will make four or five changes, shoring up the back line and resting Nyoni in the midfield. This looks like an easy win on paper despite it being a road game. Liverpool is undefeated on the road in EPL play. No game is quite as easy as it seems, however and if they have to grind out a win, the experience of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister in the midfield could help the Reds cross the finish line.
Have your say
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