Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

Following their midweek exploits in the Champions League, Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon. The Reds face a floundering Crystal Palace side in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Both clubs couldn’t have had a more contrasting start to the 2024/25 Premier League season. While Liverpool are riding high at the top of the table – looking every bit the title contenders – Crystal Palace are floundering in 18th place after six games. It’s a far cry from what fans expected after Palace’s thrilling performances at the tail end of last season, when they were tipped to be this year’s surprise package. But so far, it's been anything but smooth sailing for the Eagles. 

On the flip side, Liverpool have been a model of consistency, which is surprising given the dramatic changes at Anfield. With Jurgen Klopp stepping down last season, many thought new head coach Arne Slot would need time to adjust and settle in. Instead, Slot has hit the ground running, taking to Premier League football like a duck to water. The Reds are in red-hot form, and on paper, this looks like a straightforward win for them. But this is the Premier League, where nothing is ever certain. Will Liverpool continue their charge, or can Palace defy the odds and deliver a shock result? 

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – Match Preview  

Liverpool are flying right now. Replacing a cult legend like Jurgen Klopp will not be easy. But the start Liverpool have made under Arne Slot has erased any inhibitions within the fanbase that they could struggle without the charismatic German on the sidelines. In fact, no other Liverpool manager has managed to win eight of of the first nine games. Yes, not even greats like Klopp, Bill Shankly or Bob Paisley managed it. So, Slot’s off to a dream start at Anfield, but the real challenge will be keeping this momentum going. Form can turn in a heartbeat—just ask Spurs fans. Ange Postecoglou had Tottenham flying high last season, going unbeaten in his first 10 Premier League games. But a wave of injuries in one fateful clash against Chelsea threw their entire campaign off course. 

Having said that, the early signs are positive. Liverpool head into this clash fresh from a dominant 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League, where Mo Salah made history yet again. By netting his 45th goal in the competition, Salah became the highest-scoring African in UCL history. Now, with another record under his belt, he’ll be eager to add to his Premier League goal tally. But while Salah grabs the headlines, it’s Liverpool’s defense that’s truly been outstanding. The Reds have conceded just two goals in six league games, with the backline of Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Andrew Robertson looking as solid as ever. Liverpool are ‘the’ in-form team of the Premier League, and they will be confident of comfortably brushing aside Crystal Palace on Saturday. 

However, Oliver Glasner’s men could be a tough nut to crack. Liverpool’s title hopes last season were dashed by none other than Crystal Palace, when the Eagles stunned Anfield with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of an Eberechi Eze goal. That defeat effectively ended the Reds' title chase. But this season, Palace haven’t found their stride. With only five goals scored, they currently hold the joint second-worst attacking record in the Premier League.  

Losing Michael Olise was a big setback, but with talents like Eze, Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi, Daichi Kamada, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, they have the quality to do far better than languishing in the relegation zone. This squad should be aiming for European football, not fighting for survival. While their performances have been underwhelming so far, a result against Liverpool could be the spark they need to reignite their season. 

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – Team News and Updates 

Crystal Palace have been hit with a slew of injuries, with Chadi Riad (knee), Christopher Richards (thigh), and Cheick Doucouré (toe) all sidelined. Adding to the drama, former Arsenal defender Rob Holding is also unavailable following a reported falling-out with manager Oliver Glasner. The one potential boost for the Eagles could come from Matheus Franca, who is nearing a return after a rib injury but will likely only make the bench, joining ex-Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah, who sat out in their recent loss to Everton, might finally get his first minutes for Palace this week. Ismaïla Sarr is another player who could shake things up, possibly challenging Eddie Nketiah’s role in the final third. 

As for Liverpool, it’s been a week of positives for head coach Arne Slot. Darwin Núñez made his return from illness to lead the line, while Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson both shook off their injuries in time to feature in the midweek Champions League win. However, Federico Chiesa remains a doubt after missing that game with an undisclosed issue, and Harvey Elliott’s foot fracture will keep him out until after the international break. 

On the brink of yet another record, Mohamed Salah—already the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive Champions League home games—could become the first Premier League player to score in his team’s first four away games in two separate seasons. All eyes will be on him as Liverpool head to Selhurst Park, looking to extend their blistering start to the campaign. 

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 5th October 2024 (Saturday) at Selhurst Park in London. The match will kick off at 5:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).     

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