Crystal Palace host Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Saturday in the opener of this weekend's Premier League fixture. The Reds are in stellar form, sitting at the top of the table, while Palace are still searching for their first win of the season. This fixture looks set to be a tough test for the home side, with Liverpool being firm favourites.
Crystal Palace Recent Form
Crystal Palace have struggled in the early part of this season, failing to win any of their first six matches. After losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich and dealing with key injuries, Oliver Glasner's side finds itself in the relegation zone.
The Eagles will need to turn things around quickly to avoid slipping further down the table, with many fans hoping this would be the year that they could mount a challenge towards a European place.
Liverpool Recent Form
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been flying high under new manager Arne Slot. The Reds have won five of their six Premier League matches, including a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Wolves.
With only two goals conceded so far this season, they boast one of the league's tightest defences and are aiming to stay at the top of the table.
Injury and team news
Liverpool are without Harvey Elliott, who scored a late winner against Crystal Palace last season. Federico Chiesa is also a doubt due to a minor injury.
For Palace, the injury list is more concerning. Chadi Riad, Chris Richards, and Cheik Doucoure are all ruled out, and Rob Holding's status remains uncertain.
Last Crystal Palace Lineup
Here is how Crystal Palace lined up for their last match:
Last Liverpool Lineup
Here is how Liverpool lined up for their last match:
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool - who is the referee and VAR?
Here are the confirmed on-field referees and VAR for the game:
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long.
Fourth official: Leigh Doughty.
VAR: David Coote. Assistant VAR: Natalie Aspinall.
Crystal Palace Player To Watch
Eberechi Eze will be the key man for Palace. Known for his creativity and attacking flair, the Eagles will be counting on him to provide a spark against a solid Liverpool defence.
Liverpool Player To Watch
Mohamed Salah is expected to shine once again. The Egyptian winger has been in excellent form this season, and Palace will have to be cautious of his goal-scoring ability.
Prediction
Liverpool are clear favourites, and given their form, they should walk away with all three points.
Crystal Palace will need a remarkable performance to get something from this match.
Our Prediction: Liverpool to win 2-0.
Betting Tips
Tip 1: Liverpool to win
Liverpool have been in dominant form, winning five out of their six Premier League matches this season. Their defence has been especially strong, conceding only two goals. With Crystal Palace struggling for goals and currently winless, Liverpool are logically backed to secure a victory. The Reds also have momentum from their last win over Wolves, while Palace have looked vulnerable at home.
Tip 2: Mohamed Salah to score anytime
Salah has been Liverpool's main attacking threat for years, and he continues to deliver. He scored in their last away game against Wolves and has been involved in most of Liverpool's attacking play this season. Against a Palace side missing key defensive players, Salah will likely find opportunities to score or create chances.
Tip 3: Jefferson Lerma to receive a yellow card
Jefferson Lerma is a tough-tackling midfielder, and with Crystal Palace facing an in-form Liverpool midfield, he will be crucial in trying to disrupt their rhythm. Given Liverpool’s creative trio of Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch, Lerma will likely be drawn into making aggressive challenges, increasing his chances of being carded. He has a history of picking up yellow cards in intense matches.
