Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying Reds head to Selhurst Park for the Saturday teatime fixture this weekend.
Just over a year into his Liverpool reign, the outlook is promising for Jurgen Klopp. He has created an entertaining side who look capable of challenging on all fronts this season, with Tuesday’s victory over Tottenham seeing them through to the last eight of the League Cup.
They face a stern test this weekend, with Crystal Palace looking to claim a notable scalp at Selhurst Park. As is custom for an Alan Pardew side, Palace have seen their form fluctuate wildly this season – a poor start was followed with three consecutive wins – but the Eagles have now gone three matches without a victory.
The Key Battle – Christian Benteke vs Joel Matip
The Belgian striker has a point to prove after being discarded by Liverpool in the summer after just one season at Anfield, and will be relishing his first reunion with the Reds against a player who has put in consistently classy performances since arriving from Schalke.
Last Meeting:
Benteke came to the fore last time these sides clashed, netting a last minute winner as ten-man Liverpool came from a goal down to seal a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park in March.
Overall, Liverpool have 23 wins to Crystal Palace’s 13 in this fixture and there have been 11 draws – the most exciting of which was in May 2014 when Palace clawed back a three goal deficit to draw 3-3 and all but end the Reds’ title hopes.
Recent league form – most recent last:
Crystal Palace – WWWDLL
Liverpool – WWWWDW
Who’s the ref?
Andre Marriner takes charge of this match for the second consecutive season, having sent off James Milner and awarded Liverpool their late penalty in the aforementioned last encounter.
What time is kick off?
The game starts at 5.30pm.
Where can I watch it?
Crystal Palace v Liverpool is live on BT Sport 1, with coverage beginning at 5pm
Odds
Crystal Palace – 19/5
Draw – 14/5
Liverpool – 4/6
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