Última atualização:2026-09-06Clique:98
Crystal Palace have quietly turned their season around. After a shaky start, they’ve lost just once in their last six league outings, and that defeat came against a ruthless Arsenal side. The Eagles are defending with more structure, and the return of Eberechi Eze from injury has given them a creative spark that was badly missing earlier in the campaign. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s hold-up play remains central to their attack, while Ismaila Sarr’s pace on the counter is a genuine threat against high defensive lines. Liverpool, on the other hand, are marching toward another title challenge under Arne Slot. Their pressing is still ferocious, but there have been signs of fatigue in recent away games — particularly in the narrow wins over Wolves and Brentford where they conceded late chances. Key absences matter here: Alisson is doubtful with a muscle issue, and if Caoimhin Kelleher starts, Palace will test him early from set-pieces. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also managing a minor knock, though he’s likely to feature. The big question is whether Liverpool can maintain their intensity for 90 minutes at a ground where they’ve been frustrated before. What makes this crystal palace vs liverpool prediction interesting is the stylistic clash. Palace don’t sit deep in a low block — Glasner prefers a proactive 3-4-2-1 that presses in waves, especially in the wide channels. That’s dangerous against Liverpool, who like to play out from the back and rely on full-backs pushing high. If Palace can force turnovers in midfield, they’ll create chances through Eze and Sarr in transition. Liverpool’s solution is usually to bypass the press with diagonal balls to Mohamed Salah. Palace’s left-sided centre-back will have to deal with Salah cutting inside onto his left foot — that’s a mismatch Palace have struggled with historically. Expect Liverpool to target that flank relentlessly, especially if Alexander-Arnold is fit enough to overlap and deliver early crosses. Palace are one of the best set-piece teams in the league, scoring from corners and free-kicks regularly. Liverpool have improved defensively in this area under Slot, but they still look vulnerable when defending near-post flick-ons. Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix are aerial monsters, and if Palace win five or six corners, one of them likely goes in. This is a key angle for any prediction — over 8.5 total corners and a Palace set-piece goal is a live market. Eze’s dribbling in tight spaces will be crucial. Liverpool’s midfielders — Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister — are aggressive but can be beaten one-on-one. Eze’s ability to draw fouls around the box also gives Palace a chance from dead-ball situations. If Eze starts on the left half-space, he’ll have joy against whichever right-back Liverpool names. Núñez has been criticised for inconsistency, but his movement stretches defences. Against Palace’s back three, he can exploit the gaps between the centre-backs and wing-backs. If he gets one clear chance, he usually takesCurrent Form and Team News
Tactical Battle: Palace’s Press vs Liverpool’s Build-Up
Set-Piece Danger
Key Players to Watch
For Crystal Palace: Eberechi Eze
For Liverpool: Darwin Núñez