Crystal Palace
Henderson to start alongside Keita – Strongest 4-3-3 Liverpool XI to face Crystal Palace
Predicted Liverpool line-up to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League
After getting their season to a rocking start, Liverpool will be aiming make an early title charge with another win against Crystal Palace this weekend. Jurgen Klopp’s men were ruthless in the 4-0 thrashing of West Ham United last weekend and will be going into this game in full throttle.
Almost all of the Reds’ new signings made their debuts for the club and impressed in their outing. Naby Keita proved to be magnificent while Alisson endured a largely untested game.
Team News
Jurgen Klopp will be boosted by the return of centre-back Joel Matip, who took part in their latest training session at Melwood. Absentees Dejan Lovren and Oxlade-Chamberlain are the current players sidelined, which means Klopp can field a strong line-up against Crystal Palace.
Gomez was impressive in the absence of Lovren and there’s every chance he’ll retain his place ahead of Matip in this game.
Probable Liverpool XI
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 4-3-3
Alisson Becker (GK)
The Brazilian endured a quiet game with West Ham barely threatening his goal. He will surely be tested against a confident and cohesive Wilfried Zaha this weekend.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Arnold’s sublime free-kick was kept out of the net by an even better save from Fabianski. The youngster seems to be getting better with every outing on the field.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB)
Liverpool’s sentinel and leader at the back, Van Dijk sometimes makes things look too easy. A hard-working and committed defender who will play a vital role in Liverpool’s title race this season.
Virgil van Dijk
Joe Gomez (CB)
There’s no reason to rush Matip back into the squad with Gomez putting in an excellent shift last game. The youngster should once again be deployed alongside Van Dijk.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Currently the most exciting left-back in the league, Robertson has already proven his quality by racking up an assist and a clean sheet in his first game. He’s rarely caught out of position and just doesn’t seem to make mistakes.
James Milner (RCM)
It’s hard to believe that Milner is 32 years old. The man’s a machine. He picked up two assists last game and should be deployed in a similar role again. Milner’s work rate will be crucial to the Reds in the middle of the park.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
Jordan Henderson seems to be fit and he should start. The midfielder’s distribution and supply are unrivalled in the Liverpool squad. Liverpool’s captain is also a leader and source of motivation on the field.
Jordan Henderson
Naby Keita (LCM)
Keita has already justified a large chunk of his price tag by putting in a flawless performance last game. Liverpool have finally strengthened a key area in their squad.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
Home or away, it doesn’t matter to Mo Salah. His goalscoring prowess is almost not surprising anymore. Expect Liverpool’s Egyptian king to score another against the Eagles.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
It felt odd not to see Bobby Firmino get himself on the scoresheet in the last game, which is exactly why he will score against Palace. You heard it here first.
Roberto Firmino
Read more – Tactic talk: Liverpool’s new midfield master could be the most crucial component in Klopp’s Anfield jigsaw
Sadio Mane (RW)
With all the limelight and cameras on Mohamed Salah, Mane could emerge as the hero they need this season. He has already racked up two goals and will score more this season.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Sign Manchester United Defender on Loan Until End of Season as Young Centre Back Seeks Regular First Team Football
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Lucy Newell on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. The Eagles announced the deal via their official club website this evening as they strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the Championship campaign.
The 19 year old Shrewsbury born centre back has been with Manchester United since 2023. She initially signed dual registration terms with The Red Devils from third tier West Bromwich Albion before joining permanently the following year, signing her first professional contract just months later.
Development Continues Through Loan Spells
Newell has furthered her development in recent loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City. This represents a smart move for the youngster, who needs regular first team football to continue pushing on rather than sitting on the bench at Manchester United watching from the sidelines.
The defender has represented England at various youth levels up to and including Under 20 level, demonstrating her potential and pedigree at international standard. Crystal Palace manager Jo Potter expressed delight at securing the loan signing.
Potter Praises Promising Talent
“We are delighted to have Lucy join us at Palace. She is a promising talent who has already gained some good experience at club and international level,” Potter said. This is exactly the kind of young, hungry player Crystal Palace need as they look to solidify their Championship status.
Newell could go straight into the Crystal Palace squad for Sunday’s Barclays WSL2 fixture against Durham. The Eagles will hope her Manchester United pedigree and international experience can help shore up their defence during a crucial period.
Palace currently sit mid table in the Championship and will view Newell’s arrival as an excellent opportunity to add quality depth to their defensive options.
Also read: Why Will Arsenal Defender Emily Fox Miss Manchester United League Cup Semi Final?
Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.
The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.
Crystal Palace Development Period
Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.
She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.
Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window
Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.
The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.
Uncertain Future Path
Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.
Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV
Crystal Palace have announced the departure of midfielder Shanade Hopcroft, who leaves the club at the end of her contract. The 28 year old previously signed a short term extension at the start of the season but will now seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Hopcroft joined Crystal Palace in summer 2023 after leaving capital rivals London City Lionesses. The midfielder played a starring role as The Eagles won the Barclays WSL2 title in 2023-24, securing long awaited promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Injury Struggles Limited Top Flight Appearances
Hopcroft’s top tier game time was severely limited after suffering rotten luck with injuries. She was able to turn out for Crystal Palace in the WSL on just three occasions before the club’s relegation back to the Championship.
The midfielder has been a regular in the Crystal Palace side this season and returned to good form. She helped the team gradually get their season back on track after an initial slow start to the campaign, leaving South London off the back of a three match winning run in WSL2.
Next Move Unknown for In Form Midfielder
Hopcroft’s next career move is not yet known, however she will not be short of offers for her services given her performances in the Championship. The experienced midfielder has proven herself capable at both WSL2 and top flight level when fit.
Crystal Palace will need to replace Hopcroft’s experience in midfield as they look to mount another promotion challenge. The Eagles currently sit mid table in the Championship after recovering from their difficult start to the season following immediate relegation from the WSL.
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