As Liverpool prepare to host Crystal Palace, the Reds find themselves grappling with key injuries and a mixed recent record — but press on for this one like it matters. Let’s dig into the predicted XI, injury issues, recent form, and their head-to-head history.
Injury & Team News
Liverpool will be without a handful of names. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker (hamstring), right-back Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring), and young defender Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are definitely out.
Midfielders such as Ryan Gravenberch (ankle) and Curtis Jones (groin) are doubts.
Coach Arne Slot may thus shuffle the back-line and change personnel in midfield to compensate. With the injury list growing, squad rotation becomes a crucial factor.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
Liverpool’s recent results against Crystal Palace are less reassuring than you’d expect at Anfield. In their last encounter, Palace beat Liverpool 2-1 (September 27, 2025). They’ve struggled for wins: of the last five or so games versus Palace, Liverpool have prevailed only once.
Palace, for their part, are on a strong streak — showing resilience and confidence under pressure. This clash, therefore, isn’t a guaranteed “win for Liverpool” scenario.
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1)
According to trusted previews:
- GK: Freddie Woodman
- Defence: Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson
- Midfield (2): Wataru Endō, Alexis Mac Allister
- Attacking midfield (3): Federico Chiesa, Dominik Szoboszlai, Rio Ngumoha
- Striker: Hugo Ekitiké
This line-up reflects the injury-forced changes and the need to rotate key players (e.g., Woodman in goal, Ngumoha in attack). Slot may lean toward freshness, given recent poor results
What to Watch & Why It Matters
- Defensive cohesion: With Van Dijk partnered by Gomez (rather than a settled centre-back pairing), and Bradley at right-back, there are questions about compactness.
- Midfield balance: Endō and Mac Allister must regulate games; if they’re bypassed, Palace’s counter-attack can exploit the space.
- Attack vs. resilience: The front four have flair, but without rhythm due to injuries, linking play may falter.
- Psychology: Palace’s recent wins and Liverpool’s dip add mental weight to the fixture.
If Liverpool can field something like the above XI and tighten up defensively, they’ll have every tool to get the three points — but nothing is guaranteed against a sharp Palace side.