Liverpool v Crystal Palace: Premier League preview

Liverpool FC forward Mohamed Salah (front) fights for the ball with Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney (back) during the Premier League Asia Trophy match. (Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images) /

Liverpool play at Anfield for the first time this season against Crystal Palace this Saturday in the Premier League. Here is our match preview:

Liverpool will play at Anfield for the first time since we beat Middlesbrough on the last day of the season to clinch a Champions League place. We have been to Australia, Hong Kong, Germany (twice) and Dublin since then. It feels good to be coming home. The last time we were there was a party. Let’s hope the new season begins in the same way.

The last-minute disappointment at Watford has been eased by a fine away performance against Hoffenheim. The Germans had not lost at home for over a year and, despite our trademark defensive chaos, they could not cope with the force of our attack and our control of the game.

It is understandable to have a little metaphorical rust and cobwebs to shake off in the early games of the season but now we need the side to kick on. We have scored 5 goals without getting out of second gear. If we find those other gears against Palace they won’t stand a chance.

Form

Liverpool: WDWDW

Palace: LWDDL

Many Liverpool fans want to see changes to the defense that struggled in the opening two games. Joe Gomez should be given a run out next to Joel Matip and either Milner or Robertson should replace Moreno.

Palace were taken apart by Premier League new boys Huddersfield last week. Jurgen Klopp’s friend David Wagner led his team hurry and harass the Eagles who are adapting under to a new style under Frank de Boer.

The Dutchman is trying to turn a Sam Allardyce side into a free-flowing footballing side. Liverpool can take advantage of the transition period and beat this Palace side easily. We dominated them in the Asia Trophy and if we score early it could be a riot.

Injuries

We are missing Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne with Philippe Coutinho still unavailable with a ~~turned head~~ sore back. Daniel Sturridge returns which is a huge boost for Klopp. Crystal Palace have Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur returning but are missing Wilfred Zaha who is out for four weeks.

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