Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Premier League Preview, Gameweek 7, 2024
Mohamed Salah and Tyrick Mitchell battle during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace on April 14, 2024 (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace host Arne Slot's Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Saturday lunchtime. 

The Eagles find themselves loitering in the relegation zone after a barren start that has seen them muster only three points in their first six matches, with Palace still yet to find victory in the new Premier League season.

Disappointing defeats against Brentford, West Ham and most recently against Liverpool's bitter Merseyside rivals Everton, have left a sour taste in South London.

Palace can take positives from resilient displays against Chelsea and Man United, earning a draw in both matches, but Glasner will be keen to ignite their season against a flourishing Liverpool side in similar fashion to the previous campaign. 

After one win in his first six matches in charge of the Eagles, Glasner masterminded a 1-0 victory which inspired Palace to win six out of their final seven matches, and they will hope Saturday can serve as a similar catalyst.

Slot's flying start at Liverpool

The Reds have accustomed to life under Arne Slot seamlessly, winning five out of their first six league matches, with a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest the only blemish on the Dutch manager's record.

In fact Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Bologna FC in the Champions League in midweek meant Slot became the first-ever Liverpool manager to win eight of his first nine matches in charge across all competitions.

Despite last seasons defeat, Liverpool have won seven out of their last ten encounters with Palace, including a 7-0 drubbing at Selhurst Park in December 2020, and the Reds will hope their dominance over the Eagles continues on Saturday.

  • Team News

Crystal Palace

Summer signing Chadi Riad remains absent with an MCL injury sustained during the EFL Cup victory over Norwich City. Glasner will also be without defender Chris Richards who suffered a hamstring injury, leaving the Austrian manager with limited options in defence.

Glasner did confirm Trevoh Chalobah is nearing full fitness but Saturdays fixture may come too soon for the Chelsea loanee, with Jefferson Lerma instead expected to continue as a make-shift centre-back, a role the Colombian midfielder excelled in during the Eagles' 1-0 victory over Liverpool last term.

Rob Holding continues his exile from the first team, whilst Matheus Franca has suffered a setback during his recovery, incurring an abductor injury during his rehab which is likely to sideline the Brazilian attacker until the latter of 2024.

Cheick Doucoure will also be unavailable with a toe injury and is expected to return during the upcoming international break.

Liverpool

Summer signing Federico Chiesa is expected to miss out on Saturdays affair after his absence for the match against Bologna FC in midweek. Slot confirmed the Italian attacker has not been involved in training due to a knock and is likely to return during the international break.

Harvey Elliot will also be unavailable with the midfielder still sidelined with a foot fracture. 

Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson all returned from absences to feature against Bologna FC, and all will be expected to play a part against the Eagles on Saturday.

  • Likely Line-ups

Crystal Palace

Henderson; Muñoz, Lacroix, Guéhi, Lerma, Mitchell; Wharton, Hughes; Nketiah, Eze; Mateta

Liverpool

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz

  • Key Players

Crystal Palace - Eddie Nketiah

Since arriving from Arsenal for a reported £30 million, Eddie Nketiah has displayed great promise despite Palace's struggles. 

In his four appearances at the Eagles the England international has showcased his excellent dribbling ability, driving Palace up the pitch after picking the ball up deep, and sparking positive moments. 

It is this ability that has seen Nketiah record 2.57 progressive carries per 90 minutes, ranking in the 87th percentile across the top five leagues in Europe (via FBref). 

Nketiah opened his account for Palace in the EFL Cup victory over Queens Park Rangers, capitalising on a quick free-kick that took the opposition defence by surprise to thunder the ball home.

Throughout his career the 25-year-old has shown his ability in front of goal, scoring 44 goals in 191 appearances at club level. Nketiah is also the all time England U21 top scorer with 16 goals in 17 matches, displaying the clinical nature the striker possesses. 

Palace will hope that Nketiah is able to rise to the task against Liverpool, and help break down a defence that has conceded just two goals so far in the Premier League.

Liverpool - Ryan Gravenberch

Much was expected of Ryan Gravenberch when he made the move from Ajax to Bayern Munich for a reported £20 million, but the midfielder failed to breakthrough at the German giants despite his immense ability.

After just 34 appearances, and one year at the Allianz Arena, and Gravenberch unable to establish himself within the starting eleven, the Dutchman made the decision to join Liverpool in a reported £34.3 million move.

The 22-year-old was a consistent figure last year on Merseyside operating as a left 'eight' but it is the arrival of Slot and a change to a new role which has really seen the Dutchman prosper. 

Gravenberch has started as a 'six' in every match so far this season, playing every single minute of football and showcasing his quality. 

The midfielder is a powerful figure on the ball in the middle of the park, gliding past players, and carrying the ball up the pitch. The Dutchman also offers a fantastic passing range which allows him to break through opposition lines with his progressive passing and unleash the devastating Liverpool attack on opponents.

Do not be fooled though, whereas Gravenberch has previously lacked defensive nuance, the midfielder has protected Liverpool's defence incredibly this season, winning the majority of his duels, and using his football intelligence to make 1.7 interceptions per game. 

Gravenberch has certainly taken a defensive leap, and uses his frame robustly to make 2.5 tackles and 6.5 ball recoveries per game. 

Palace will need to stop the Dutchman from controlling the game if they are to stop a dominant Liverpool from taking all three points on Saturday.

  • Match Details

Where is the game being played?

The match will take place at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off is at 12:30 BST on Saturday 5th October, 2024.

How can I watch it?

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK, with coverage starting at 11:00 BST.