High-flying Liverpool will have their task cut out when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace. The Reds have been in terrific form this season and continued their hot streak with another dominating performance against West Brom in last league game. They also defeated Tottenham Hotspur midweek to qualify in the quarterfinal of the EFL Cup. However, the Reds’ inefficiency to deal with the set-pieces means they will have to be very cautious against the Eagles who are a serious threat in set-pieces.
On the other hand, the Eagles have been in poor form in recent times. They have now suffered back-to-back league defeats, the latest at Leicester by a 3-1 margin before a 1-0 loss at home to West Ham. The home team has a decent record against the visitors in recent times and with Christian Benteke in the front, they will fancy their chances.
Team news:
Crystal Palace:
The Eagles’ skipper Scott Dan is expected to be fit for the important clash. He was out of the action since September 18 after suffering a hamstring injury. His presence will definitely bolster the hosts’ defense who have not kept a single clean sheet this term.Jason Puncheon is a doubt but is expected to start.
Predicted lineup:
Stev Mandanda, Joe Ward, James Tomkins, Scott Dann, Martin Kelly, James McArthur, Yohan Cabaye, Andros Townsend, Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke.
Liverpool:
Jurgen Klopp is set to recall his stars for the league clash after resting them for the Cup tie in midweek. Daniel Sturridge, who starred in the Cup tie scoring twice against Spurs, is expected to start on the bench. The Reds skipper Jordan Henderson will return to the starting eleven after serving a suspension.
Predicted lineup:
Loris Karius, Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, James Milner, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Phillipe Coutinho.
Stats:
- Christian Benteke, who joined the Eagles this term from Liverpool, has a good track record against his former team with five goals in six appearances.
- Crystal Palace has only conceded four times at home this season.
- Liverpool has created more chances (70) away from their home ground in the league than anyone else.
- Crystal Palace is unbeaten in 4 of their last 6 matches against Liverpool.
BETTING ODDS (888Sport)
A Crystal Palace win: 4/1
A Draw: 3/1
A Liverpool win: 8/11
Prediction:
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool