Predicted Liverpool line-up to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League
League leaders Liverpool will be aiming to keep winning games and distance themselves from the challengers when they face Crystal Palace at Anfield this Saturday.
After losing against Manchester City in the league and Wolves in the FA Cup, people were starting to be sceptical about this team. However, a tight win at Brighton last week proved that Jurgen Klopp’s men still have life and are eager to keep themselves ahead in the race.
They are up against a Palace team who are unpredictable and are capable of toppling any team in the league. Roy Hodgson’s men shocked the world by beating Man City at the Etihad last month. If ever Liverpool needed a warning signal, they can watch that game before taking the field.
Team News
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest to pick up an injury as he aggravated it by playing against Brighton. The Englishman is expected to be out for three to four weeks. Joe Gomez is expected to be back by next week.
Dejan Lovren is out for this month and will be back by early February. Georginio Wijnaldum has a knee injury which is not serious but will keep the Dutchman out of this weekend’s game. Adam Lallana is a doubt.
Probable Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Alisson Becker (GK)
The Brazilian starts every game in the league and he has been a wall in goal for the Reds.
James Milner (RB)
With Trent out, expect the ever-versatile Milner to fill in that position for this game.
Joel Matip (CB)
The Cameroonian was on the bench in the previous game as he recovered from his injury. Expect the centre-back to start this game.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
An irreplaceable cog in the team and one of the main reasons why Liverpool are leading the table now. He is just a colossus.
Andy Robertson (LB)
Another player who goes from strength to strength whenever he is on the field. Probably the best left-back in the league right now.
Fabinho (CM)
The Brazilian did well as a centre-back last week. However, with Matip back, Fabinho is expected to take up his more usual midfield position.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
The captain should start this game, more so because Wijnaldum is out for this game.
Sadio Mane (LW)
He is a part of the dangerous front three who start almost every league game. The Senegalese is an “under the radar” performer in the team but very effective.
Roberto Firmino (SS)
With Salah leading the line, especially against teams that are not in the top six, Firmino plays as a support striker in between the lines.
Xherdan Shaqiri (RW)
In a game where we can expect Palace to sit deep and frustrate Liverpool, the creativity and guile of Shaqiri could be the difference-maker.
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Mohamed Salah (ST)
The Egyptian has done well in a slightly new role, however, his performance in the second half against Brighton epitomised why he is better playing a central role.
