Jurgen Klopp will force Liverpool to bring the fire against Palace
Jurgen Klopp will force Liverpool to bring the fire.
Wilfred Zaha, Christian Benteke and company will welcome top of table Liverpool to Selhurst Park in south London in the early tie on Saturday to start match day 14.
Liverpool are fresh off their most impressive display of the campaign thus far…in a thoroughly dominating 2-1 win over Spurs at Anfield on Wednesday last. The Reds managed 76% of possession and produced 11 shots on goal to Tottenham’s two.
This makes 66 without a loss at Anfield, and the record grows with each home outing. The outstanding play of Curtis Jones once again held the imagination of pundits and fans. Jones, a local lad made good, is just 19 and has shined at levels far above his age class.
The calm confident poise of Rhys Williams was once again on display at centre-back; Rhys has stamped on display for all to see, his claim for first-team credentials each time he has been called on to deliver. He too is just 19. This, as it turns out appears to be somewhat of a silver lining for Jurgen Klopp and his injury-riddled side.
With Thiago remaining out of play all autumn, and VVD, Joe Gomez out long-term, Joel Matip hit and miss on the injury merry-go-round; the rise of these youngsters has been nothing short of incredible to witness.
The young Neco Williams has also played well and has reaffirmed the gaffer’s prescience in adding him to the squad back in August. He has had a few rookie errors at full-back but is learning and improving with each opportunity.
Looking at the road tie team sheet with Crystal Palace, look for Allison in goal, Robbo, Matip and Fabinho, with TAA in the backline.
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Midfield shapes up like it did with Spurs, with skipper Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and young Jones. It would difficult to keep Curtis out of the line-up with his tenacious energy and smart play and positioning both on offence and defensively.
The forward line looks strong once again with the usual suspects; Sadio Mane, Bobby ‘si senor Firmino, fresh off his match-winning bullet strike header in the 90+ of extra time; and the indomitable Mo Salah, who just seems to find ways to score. He now has 14 for this campaign in all competitions.
Roy Hodgson will have Palace ready to challenge the champions with attempts to quick counter and deep over the top passes to Benteke in the middle.
The Reds if they find that gear they played Spurs should be very comfortable through run of play, with confident passing and dominant possession. This, as has been all road ties for the Reds this campaign, could conceivably turn dogfight if the lads play sluggish or without imagination.
Klopp, rest assured will be bringing the fire, after his displeasure with their display at Fulham a week ago. He will be pushing his boys to show the character of champions on the road, and in London, no less