Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Preview: Grounding the Eagles

Liverpool return to Anfield on April 25th to take on a Crystal Palace team that they have struggled against in recent history. With only 5 games left to play,  and the Reds are making the final push for Champions League qualification next season, here are some keys to victory vs. the Eagles.

Get Salah On The Scoresheet

Just like Liverpool are looking to finish the season strong, so is Mohamed Salah, and he is doing just that. The Egyptian King has scored in each of his last 3 EPL games, and should he find the back of the net vs. Crystal Palace, Salah would tie Cristiano Ronaldo as the oldest player to ever score in four straight EPL matches. History is on Salah’s side to do just that, as he has scored 9 goals in his last 14 matches against Palace.

Don’t Leave It Late

Liverpool have been involved in late-game dramatics this season. Nine times the Reds have either scored  (4) or been scored upon (5) in stoppage time. So an early goal or two would be huge to avoid a nervy finish because those can go either way. One way to do that is to neutralise Ismaila Sarr, who has scored in seven of his last eight games vs. Liverpool.

Grounding The Eagles

But scoring against the Eagles won’t be easy. They have the second-most clean sheets in the EPL this year, with 12. Only Arsenal have more with 15. Palace have only lost two of their last 12 matches across all competitions, including having a perfect 3-0 mark against Liverpool this season. No team has ever beaten Liverpool four times in the same campaign. They have also won four straight games at Anfield.

LFC Globe Verdict

Enough is enough. It’s time to stop the losing streak to Palace, particularly at Anfield. Liverpool have played better as of late: Two straight EPL wins and a strong performance vs. PSG. I predict a 2-0 victory coming with Salah finding the back of the net.

Predicted XI

Arne Slot indicated in his press conference that several players will be a match-time decision. Based on that information, here is the Predicted XI. Use the squad selector tool to make your own choices. Also, drop a comment giving the rationale behind your decisions.

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