Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Preview: What to Expect from the Clash

Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash with Crystal Palace presents a crucial test for both sides. Following a mixed start to the season, Karl Matchett and Guy Drinkel of the Anfield Index podcast discussed their expectations and the potential outcomes for this match. Here, we delve into the insights shared by Karl and Guy, offering a comprehensive preview of the fixture.

Crystal Palace’s Challenging Start

Crystal Palace have struggled to find their form this season, sitting 18th in the Premier League table. As Karl Matchett noted, “It’s definitely surprising to see them in this position,” especially after their strong finish last season. Palace, dubbed the “best team in the world” after an impressive end to the previous campaign, have had a sluggish start with several underwhelming performances.

Matchett particularly highlighted the disappointing 2-0 home loss to West Ham, saying, “That result was a real eye-opener for Palace. After their first defeat, there was this expectation that they’d bounce back at home, but that wasn’t the case.” Despite flashes of decent play, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Chelsea, the team has only managed two wins in their last six games, both in the League Cup.

Injuries Hit Palace Hard

A major factor in Crystal Palace’s struggles has been the injuries to key players. “They’re missing both of their left centre-backs and a starting midfielder,” remarked Karl, listing players like Chris Richards and Cheick Doucouré, who are sidelined for the fixture. The absence of Michael Olise, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer, has also hit Palace hard. “Losing Olise was a big blow,” Matchett observed, noting that the team has been struggling to replace his creativity and attacking threat.

Despite these setbacks, Palace still pose a threat with their system. As Guy Drinkel pointed out, “They’ve been playing a 3-4-3 similar to last season’s setup, with wing-backs pushing forward and a double pivot in midfield.” However, the hosts’ midfield, particularly Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada, has not clicked this season, leaving them vulnerable against a more dynamic Liverpool side.

Liverpool’s Midfield Advantage

Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, have shown glimpses of brilliance but remain inconsistent. Karl praised Liverpool’s midfield trio, stating, “If Liverpool’s midfield play like they did against Bologna, it’s going to be tough for Palace to cope.” Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch have been instrumental in the Reds’ high-risk, high-reward style of play.

Szoboszlai, in particular, received special mention from Karl Matchett. “For me, Szoboszlai was our best player on the pitch,” he said, adding, “His off-the-ball work and combination play with Salah have been excellent, and his ability to break up opposition attacks is something Palace will struggle to deal with.”

However, Liverpool’s own defensive issues could give Palace hope. Matchett acknowledged that “playing out from the back has been problematic for Liverpool at times, especially during those calamitous 20-minute spells where the team loses concentration.” If Palace can exploit these lapses, they may find joy in transition.

Key Battles to Watch

One of the standout matchups will be between Palace’s attacking wing-backs and Liverpool’s full-backs. With the likes of Tyrick Mitchell pushing forward, the wing-backs will need to be defensively sound to prevent Liverpool’s dangerous counter-attacks. “The wing-backs are a problem,” Matchett noted, adding that “if they get caught too high up the pitch, Liverpool’s pace in transition could be devastating.”

In midfield, Palace are likely to struggle against Liverpool’s energy and physicality. Karl commented, “If they start with the same midfield as against Everton, I don’t see how they compete with the likes of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai.” He suggested that Palace manager Oliver Glasner might look to bring in a more physical presence to cope with Liverpool’s power in the middle of the park.

Prediction: Liverpool to Edge It

Although Palace will be eager to get their season back on track, Liverpool’s superior midfield and attacking prowess make them favourites for this fixture. As Karl Matchett summed up, “If Liverpool’s midfield plays like it did against Bologna, it’s going to be tough for Palace to keep up.” However, with Palace fighting to avoid another home defeat, this match promises to be a tightly contested battle.