Crystal Palace and Liverpool lock horns for the second time in seven weeks when they go head-to-head in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
Palace shocked Liverpool to win the Community Shield last month and are currently enjoying a 17-match unbeaten run in all competitions, a streak which will be severely tested by the visiting Reds who have won all seven matches since that Wembley defeat.
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Prediction & Tips
Draw & BTTS @ 15/4 with bet365
BTTS has landed in six of Liverpool’s eight games this season, including the 2-2 draw at 90 minutes in the Community Shield and the 1-1 draw at Anfield in May. If there’s any team capable of taking points off the Reds right now, it is in-form Palace.
Jean-Philippe Mateta To Score @ 2/1 with bet365
The striker has four goals on the board this season, including two in his last three league games, and a converted penalty in the Community Shield win over Liverpool. He’s now one goal off 30 goals in 56 games under Oliver Glasner.
Red card @ 5/1 with bet365
This fixture has thrown up three red cards in the last six league meetings, two of which have been handed to Liverpool, including May’s meeting at Anfield where Ryan Gravenberch was sent for an early bath.
Crystal Palace Form & Team Setup
Crystal Palace head into the weekend riding an impressive 17-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have already lifted both the FA Cup and the Community Shield in that time, and they remain undefeated in their last 11 league matches – the longest current streak of any Premier League side. With nine points from their first five games, Palace sit 5th in the table going into Gameweek 6.
Ismaila Sarr, who scored in the Community Shield triumph over Liverpool, has yet to feature this month but is expected to return for Saturday’s match. Yeremy Pino faces a late fitness test after limping off with a knee issue against West Ham. However, Walter Benítez, Chadi Riad, and Cheick Doucoure all remain unavailable.
Liverpool Form & Team Setup
Liverpool have won seven games on the spin since their Community Shield defeat to Palace, remarkably scoring winners from the 83rd minute in six of those matches.
Defensively, there’s still room for improvement, with just one clean sheet so far (away at Burnley), but the ability to grind out results should concern their Premier League rivals.
Hugo Ekitike is suspended after picking up a second yellow for his silly shirtless celebration in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Southampton. That paves the way for Alexander Isak – who also found the net in that game – to make his first league start for the Reds. However, the visitors will be without Giovanni Leoni, who is now sidelined with a torn ACL.
Head-to-Head Battles and What the Stats Reveal
Liverpool have traditionally held the upper hand in this fixture, winning 12 of the last 17 encounters. Yet recent meetings have been very competitive. Across the last seven clashes, both sides have picked up two wins each, with the remaining games ending in draws. Palace also edged out Liverpool in this season’s Community Shield, winning on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Both teams have scored in five of the last eight matchups, including each of the last two, while Ismaila Sarr has found the net in both of those recent games.
In terms of style, the contrast couldn’t be more apparent. Liverpool have the Premier League’s highest average possession (62.6%), while Palace rank 17th (42.2%). This has been evident in their last two meetings, with Liverpool seeing 68.8% (league) and 60% (cup) of the ball. Expect a similar pattern at Selhurst Park with Liverpool looking to dominate, and Palace looking to strike on the counter.
Key Battles on the Pitch
Marc Guehi vs Alexandar Isak
These two could have been lining up on the same side this season, but while Alexander Isak secured his dream move, Marc Guehi’s transfer fell through on deadline day. Still, the Palace defender hasn’t let that disappointment affect him – his performances have been consistently impressive. Now, he’ll be tasked with containing Isak, who opened his Liverpool account earlier this week.
Adam Wharton vs Szoboszlai or Wirtz
Whether Arne Slot opts for Dominik Szoboszlai or Florian Wirtz in the attacking midfield role – both players got an assist in the Community Shield – they’ll face a tough test in Adam Wharton. The Palace midfielder’s intelligence, composure on the ball, and knack for breaking up play in central areas make him a key figure – and a serious obstacle for whoever lines up against him.
Tyrick Mitchell vs Mo Salah
Fresh off scoring a stunning winner against West Ham, Tyrick Mitchell heads into this clash full of confidence. But he’ll face a very different challenge at Selhurst Park, tasked with balancing his forward runs while trying to keep Mo Salah under wraps.