Table-topping Liverpool in trip to Palace after UCL win over Bologna.

2024-09-30

Selhurst Park is set to host a thrilling encounter this Saturday, as Crystal Palace aim for their first Premier League victory against a formidable Liverpool side looking to extend their winning streak and maintain their top-of-the-table status.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are one of the five sides yet to win a Premier League match this season. They came close to their first victory during a trip to Everton, taking an early lead but ultimately succumbing to a brace from Dwight McNeil that turned the game around.

This defeat ended a three-game unbeaten streak, although all those matches ended in draws. As a result, Palace have slipped down to 18th place in the table, accumulating just three points after six games.

The Eagles will be eager to secure an unexpected maiden win, even though they have lost 11 of their last 14 Premier League encounters with Liverpool. Furthermore, Palace have conceded more goals against Liverpool than any other opponent in the league.

The match might see Palace employing a 3—4—3 formation, with Eddie Nketiah, Mateta, and Eberechi Eze leading the attack. Oliver Glasner will have to manage without Cheick Doucouré and three other players for this early kickoff clash.

Liverpool

Liverpool picked up a 2-0 win over Bologna, securing their position at 6th on the UCL league phase table. Goals came from Alexis Mac Allister in the 11th minute and Mohamed Salah in the 75th, who also assisted the first goal.

After the match, Arne Slot remarked, "I don't draw many conclusions from that, but it is nice. So many incredible managers have worked here, doing so many special things," celebrating his achievement as the first Liverpool boss to win eight of his first nine matches in charge.

This victory extended Liverpool's winning streak to five matches across all competitions, with their sole loss being a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest just before UCL Match Day 1. In the Premier League, Liverpool, currently at the top, recently claimed a 2-1 victory over Wolves and now seeks a third consecutive win as they travel to face Palace.

Liverpool's exceptional away form against Palace could help maintain their spot at the top, having gone unbeaten in nine games at Selhurst Park with eight wins and one draw. The team is expected to play in a 4—2—3—1 formation with Darwin Núñez leading the attack, while Federico Chiesa remains a candidate for a late assessment.