Liverpool will be on their way to play their second match in the 2017/18 season of the Premier League, having scraped a frustrating draw against a resilient Watford side in their first match of the campaign. The Reds will be looking to earn all the three points this time though, as they face Crystal Palace in their own backyard.
The Eagles started their campaign in the worst possible way, as they faced a disappointing day out on the field last weekend, with newcomers Huddersfield Town netting three goals against them in their first encounter of the season. The South Londoners, however, will look to bounce back in the next match, as they face Liverpool, whose attackers were at their prime in the last match.
Both the sides will be looking to get a win under their belt, especially Crystal Palace, as they are yet to gain a point in the Premier League this season. However, Liverpool has always been dangerous at home and it is going to be intriguing as the two teams lock horns against each other this weekend at Anfield.
Team News-
Liverpool-
The Reds are supposed to be without their talismanic midfielder Phillipe Coutinho once again, given that he has not fully recovered from his back injury sustained during the pre season. Apart from him, the English pair of right back Nathaniel Clyne and striker Daniel Sturridge, who are also recovering from injuries, might not be risked against Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace-
The Eagles will have to do without winger Wilfried Zaha, as the Ivory Coast international will be out with a knee injury sustained in their first match against Watford. This might come as a bad news for the South London club, as they look to sharpen their attacking intent against the Merseyside club and bag three points. Andros Townsend might take his place in the side.
Predicted Lineup-
Liverpool-
Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Crystal Palace-
Hennessey, Fosu-Mensah, Dann, Riedewald, Ward, Milivojevic, Puncheon, Van Aanholt, Loftus-Cheek, Townsend, Benteke.
Key Men-
Liverpool-
In the absence of Coutinho, the Reds will be looking towards the trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to spearhead the attack and make sure that they get past the Eagles easily. All of them scored a goal each in the first match and will be looking to add to that tally in the next.
Crystal Palace-
The Eagles will be looking towards their attacking spearhead Christian Benteke, the Belgian being unable to impress in the last match. The onus will also be on the defensive trio of Jairo Riedewald, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Scott Dann to keep the “gegenpressing” attack of Liverpool at bay.
Odds-
Liverpool wins- 4/11
Draw- 9/2
Crystal Palace wins- 8/1
