Liverpool expected to change starting XI vs. Crystal Palace?

Liverpool FC is expected to alter their starting XI before today’s English Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Jürgen Klopp’s side is expected to make a change at the center-back position due to a player not being fully healthy, according to team reporter James Pearce of the Athletic.

"“I’m expecting Konate to start today. It certainly makes sense. It’s the area of the squad where LFC have the most depth so no need to take any risks if Joel Matip isn’t 100%.”"

It is unlikely that Joel Matip appears in today’s match, and teammate Virgil van Dijk will be one to miss him sorely.

While Matip will be missed, his replacement does provide some qualities that many Red supporters can enjoy.

Liverpool’s Konaté will have a chance to showcase his talent against Crystal Palace.

In Konate’s last start in the Premier League against Chelsea earlier this month, he put together a solid performance. While he did not accumulate any tackles in that contest, he did lead LFC with nine clearances and added in three interceptions in the team’s 2-2 draw. An area of slight concern with him is that, at times, he sometimes loses positional awareness when the opposition is counterattacking. Regardless, he is still young and full of potential and slowly improves in every appearance. Against Crystal Palace, his abilities will be most certainly needed.

Konaté will not have to contend with Crystal Palace’s top forward.

With the AFCON tournament in full swing, Palace will be missing one of their top goal scorers in Wilfried Zaha. However, they will be gaining one player back who participated in the tournament, Jordan Ayew. Ayew only has one goal in the Premier League but is still a boost to his team’s depth while Zaha is menacing other nations in AFCON. Still, though, Ibrahima will have to deal with one of the best-attacking midfielders in the Premier League in Conor Gallagher, who leads his side with seven goals this season at just 21 years of age.

Today’s match will be a good test for all, and Konaté should be able to match this youngster’s talent with his own as well.