Liverpool FC travel to South London this week to face Crystal Palace amid fears that key players Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, would both be missing the tie. The duo returned from international commitments early and were not seen in training until Thursday.
The Reds opened up a nine point advantage over defending Champions Manchester City last week with a deserved 3-1 win. The win meant that the Merseyside outfit have dropped just 2 points in their game against the ‘traditional top 6’ and Leicester City. Liverpool now have an easy run of games but their participation in all four tournaments and the Club World Cup means that they will be playing a whopping 11 games in the next 33 days. Such a gruelling schedule would give a ‘chance’ for the fringe players to prove their worth, according to manager Jurgen Klopp.
Crystal Palace have had a decent start to the season despite having injury concerns in the back line. Last time out, Palace lost 0-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a game which raised alarms for their poor attacking arsenal. The side has managed to have scored just twice in the last 4 League games and have mustered a lowly 10 shots on target in those games.
Eagles manager Roy Hodgson also managed Liverpool in the 10-11 campaign but was sacked following a poor display which saw the side reeling on the 13th place with just 25 points from the opening 21 games. The Eagles did manage to nip all three points when the travelled to Old Trafford early in the season, meaning that they do have what it takes to beat the top sides, but Liverpool present a whole different ball game.
The fixture saw Liverpool beat Palace 0-2 comfortably thanks to a James Milner penalty and a Sadio Mane goal.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Talisman Wilfried Zaha was subbed off against Chelsea last time out due to a foot problem but would probably be okay to start against the League leaders. Connor Wickham and ex-Red Mamadou Sakho’s availability will depends on a fitness test but the latter’s chances look really bleak.
Jordon Ayew can lineup in the striker’s role but a match against his former employers could see Christian Benteke start upfront. Captain Luka Milivojevic’s presence in the middle looks more important than ever because of the threat of the Red’s front three.
Fullbacks Patrick van Aanholt and another Ex-Red Martin Kelly would have a lot of defensive issues to deal with as both Liverpool flanks carry tremendous venom.
Predicted Line-Ups: Hennessey, Kelly, Tomkins, Cahill, Van Aanholt, Townsend, McArthur, Milivojevic (C), McCarthy, Zaha, Benteke 4-5-1
Liverpool would be fretting over the presence of Mo Salah and Andy Robertson, both of whom emerged as injury doubts due to ankle problems. The duo and CB Joe Gomez, who was booed in England’s international match following a bust up with winger Raheem Sterling which continued from the last Premier League clash, all reported to training early Thursday.
Sadio Mane would be hoping to become only the third Liverpool player after Luis Suarez and Michael Owen to score in 5 consecutive games against a single opposition. Gini Wijnaldum captained Netherlands to a 5-0 over Estonia and also scored a hatrick of goals, is expected to to motor midfield. Fabinho and Henderson also are expected to keep their places.
Jurgen Klopp would continue with a 4-3-3.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Milner, Fabinho, Henderson (C), Wijnaldum, Mane, Firmino, Origi 4-3-3
Referee: Kevin Friend
Venue: Selhurst Park, London (25456)
English Premier League, Round 13
Time: 15:00 GMT, Saturday
