The magic of the FA Cup lights up this weekend with the 5th round of games being played, Liverpool travel to London to face Crystal Palace, a ground which does not hold good memories for the Reds. Everyone remembers their implosion at Palace last season and this season they were resoundingly beaten by Palace which really set off a motion for Liverpool to rework on their formation.
Since that defeat, Liverpool have only lost 2 games out of 21 in all competitions but the team from London has had a change in manager with Alan Pardew has taken over and has helped them to achieve their best run of form. Liverpool have not won at Palace in their last 6 attempts and they would have to be at their best to ensure that they don’t become yet another club to get knocked out.
Team news:
Crystal Palace striker Yaya Sanogo picked up a hamstring injury in midweek and he would be out of action for a couple of weeks. Lee Chung-Yong & Shoela Ameobi would miss out on the game, however there is some good news for Palace as Scott Dann could make his return from injury and slot into defence.
Liverpool come into Selhurst park without Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva who both picked up injuries last week. Gerrard had to be substituted against Tottenham with a hamstring injury and could be out for 3 weeks. Another player who could miss out is Raheem Sterling, who did not play against Tottenham and could be assessed before the game. Daniel Sturridge did start his first game in midweek and Balotelli scored his first goal in the Premier League against Spurs, it will be a tough toss up to decide who starts for the Reds.
Possible starting line-ups:
Crystal Palace starting XI: Hennessey, Mariappa, Dann, Hangeland, Souare, Guedioura, Ledley, Puncheon, Chamakh, Bolasie, Gayle
Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Henderson, Allen, Markovic, Coutinho, Lallana, Sturridge
