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Liverpool will host Crystal Palace at Anfield in Jurgen Klopp’s seventh game in charge as the Reds boss. The Reds have struggled against Crystal Palace recently, with the Eagles doing the double over them last season, and they also ended their title hopes in the 2013/14. There is not much difference between the two sides in the league this season, with Liverpool placed 9th in the table with the visitors sitting just below them.
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The home side look like a different team under new boss Jurgen Klopp and have won three games on the trot in all competitions. Crystal Palace have gone three games without a win, and will be looking to bounce back against one of their favorite opponents.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Channel: StarSports 4
Live Stream: starsports.com
Date and Time: Saturday, 8 November 2015 – 21:30 IST (1600 BST)
Venue: Anfield
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool have no new injury concerns, but the old ones have not gone away yet. While the likes of Firmino and Christian Benteke recently returned to action, Daniel Sturridge has not trained with the team yet and is now expected to return only after the upcoming international break. Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has recovered from his injury but is also expected to return only after the international break. Jon Flanagan has also started light training, and there is no update as to when he will return to full training.
The likes of Danny Ings and Joe Gomez are out for the rest of the season after they suffered ACL injuries during the previous international break. In-form Belgian striker Benteke is expected to start up front, with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Firmino and Adam Lallana behind him. James Milner might be dropped to the bench after his recent poor performances, with Emre Can and Lucas Leiva playing in the middle of the park.
The back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno is expected to be retained after their brilliant performances.
Crystal Palace
Dwight Gayle is doubtful for the Merseyside trip as he continues to struggle with his hamstring injury. Connor Wickham and Marouane Chamakh are also expected to return only after the upcoming international break while Lee Chung-yong is nursing a foot injury and is set to miss out. Pape Souare has returned to full fitness and is expected to feature against Liverpool. Yannick Bolasie, who has a good record against Liverpool, is expected to start up front.
Form
Liverpool (D-W-D-D-D-W)
Liverpool are yet to lose a game under new boss Jurgen Klopp having won three and drawn three. The Reds have won their previous three games in all competitions, their first win came against Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s first Premier League win came against defending champions Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge last week. Philippe Coutinho scored a delightful brace to earn his team all the three points and pile up the pressure on Jose Mourinho.
In the midweek, Liverpool traveled to Russia to face Rubin Kazan in the midweek, Jurgen Klopp surprised everyone by fielding a strong side against Rubin Kazan, but the Reds didn’t disappoint winning 1-0, thanks to a brilliant goal from youngster Jordon Ibe. The return of Roberto Firmino and Christain Benteke from injury has boosted the Reds squad, and that can be seen from the recent performances.
Crystal Palace (L-W-W-L-L-D)
Crystal Palace are going through a rough patch as they have not won in their last four games in all competitions. Their poor form started at home against West Ham United as they lost 3-1 to Slaven Bilic’s team. Jamie Vardy’s goal saw them lose 1-0 to Leicester City at King Power Stadium, and a goalless draw against Manchester United last week at Selhurst Park.
Alan Pardew’s team will be hoping for some inspiration, and will be facing one of their favourite opponents of recent times. The Eagles have won their last three games against the Reds, but will find it difficult to repeat the heroics against a well organised Liverpool team.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas Leiva, Emre Can, Coutinho, Lallana, Firmino, Benteke
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Hennessey, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly, McArthur, Cabaye, Zaha, Puncheon, Sako, Bolasie
Key Stats
- Liverpool won five and lost none of the first seven EPL meetings with Palace. But The Eagles have won three and lost just one of the last five.
- Crystal Palace have scored three goals in each of their last three Barclays Premier League meetings with Liverpool.
- Gayle has scored four goals in three EPL appearances against Liverpool.
- Crystal Palace have won nine and lost just four of 13 Premier League away games since Alan Pardew was appointed as boss.
- Liverpool have won just two of their last six Premier League home games (W2 D2 L2).
- Christian Benteke has scored in the last 15 minutes of the match in three of his last four Premier League appearances for the Reds.
Key Battles
Christian Beneteke vs Crystal Palace Scott Dann
Benteke has scored in each of his last two EPL games for Liverpool. The 24-year-old is a prolific goal scorer, and his all round play makes it really difficult to defend against him. He is not only strong in the air, but also quick on his feet and gets involved in the attack more than your usual target man.
Scott Dann will have to be at their best to stop the in-form Belgian striker. He will have to be strong aerially to make sure he doesn’t allow him any free headers inside the penalty box. Benteke’s goal against Chelsea showed why he can’t be even allowed any space inside the box to take a shot with ease.
Philippe Coutinho vs James McArthur
Philippe Coutinho showed against Chelsea why he can’t be dropped, despite his average performances recently. The Brazilian star scored two absolute stunners to mark a big win against Chelsea at their home ground. Coutinho not only likes dribbling past players, but also can shoot from distance, and most of his recent goals for Liverpool have come from outside the box.
The 23-year-old is a pain to play against, and James McArthur might find it difficult in the midfield to keep him in check. In doing that, McArthur must be careful he doesn’t concede too many fouls and defends the spaces in the midfield. Palace will have to maintain a tight shape throughout the game to keep the Liverpool attackers in check.
Prediction
Surely not again? Crystal Palace have got the better of Liverpool in the recent times, but that is likely to change with Liverpool looking more organised under Jurgen Klopp, and we expect Liverpool to win this one. The Reds have their confidence back, and that can be seen on the pitch. Crystal Palace might find it really difficult to handle the likes of Christian Benteke and Philippe Coutinho.
Predicted score: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace
Betting odds (bet365)
Liverpool – 4/6
Draw – 14/5
Crystal Palace – 5/1
