Preview: Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Liverpool is all set to host Crystal Palace on Saturday and on paper this match looks all but one sided. While Liverpool will continue to keep the winning momentum in what would seem as a relatively easy match, their opponents would be desperate to snap their losing streak by causing a major upset an Anfield.
The newly promoted Crystal Palace, currently 19th in the points table, have won only one game this season out of 6 and have gone winless in their last 3 Premier League games. On the other hand, with a handsome 13 points in 6 games, Liverpool is placed comfortably in 2nd position. With a Luiz Suarez inspired 3-1 victory over Sunderland, Liverpool have the confidence of the world right now and would be looking to win by a big margin to improve their goal difference.
After a dull transfer season, Ian Holloway’s side have been plagued by injury issues to important players which has led to the team sinking to the 2nd last spot and except for a 3-1 home win over Sunderland, they team has failed to put up an inspiring performance.
On the other hand, Brendan Roger’s men have had a terrific start to the season beating the likes of Manchester United and Stoke City and except for a shock defeat at home against Southampton, there has been nothing much to complain in the way the team has played.
If we look at the squads, Liverpool will be missing the services of Lucas who was banned after picking up his fifth booking of the season at the Stadium of Light. Alongside, Phillip Coutinho will also be missing the math due to a shoulder injury meaning the Reds will be without their two regular midfielders. Glen Johnson too has been ruled out with a knee injury.
For Crystal Palace, the injury woes are all too many with an extensive injury list. Jack Hunt and Jonathan Williams, and Damien Delaney and Jonathan Parr are out with ankle injuries while Glenn Murray has a knee problem. They will also be missing their Captain Patrick McCarthy due to a groin injury; Yannick Bolasie with a sore hamstring is a doubtful starter as Palace seeks their first league win at Anfield since the winter of 1991.
Liverpool:
Coach: Brendon Rogers
Formation (expected): 4-4-2
Playing (expected): Mignolet, Agger, Enrique, Skrtel, Toure, Gerrard, Henderson, Aspas, Moses, Sturridge and Suarez
Bench: Flanagan, Jones, Ibe, Wisdom, Sterling, Flanagan, Ilori, Kelly, Sakho, Alberto , Jones
Crystal Palace:
Coach: Ian Holloway
Formation (expected): 4-1-2-1
Playing (expected): Bannan, Speroni, Gabbidon, Mariappa, Moxey, Ward, Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Kebe, Chamakh and Gayle,
Bench (expected): Alexander, Price, Blake, Delaney, McCarthy, Parr, Bolasie, Campana, Grandin, Guedioura, O’Keefe, Puncheon, Thomas, Jerome, Phillips, Wilbraham