Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Carabao Cup Clash at Anfield Could Reignite Reds’ Form

Liverpool return to Carabao Cup action this week looking to halt a worrying run of form and rediscover the spark that defined their title-winning 2024-25 campaign. Arne Slot’s side welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield on Wednesday evening for what has become a crucial test of resilience and rhythm.

Searching for Momentum

Liverpool’s start to the new season was perfect, but since then the slide has been undeniable. A sequence of five defeats in six matches across all competitions has left the reigning Premier League champions sitting seventh, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. For a side known for their intensity and tactical balance under Slot, the recent performances have lacked the composure and precision that delivered the title only months ago.

The Anfield crowd will demand a reaction. The Carabao Cup, often viewed as a proving ground for rotation players, suddenly feels like an important fixture for restoring belief. Slot has handled pressure well before, but the current dip means this match carries far greater significance than most October ties.

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Team News and Key Absences

It remains to be seen when first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be ready to return from a hamstring injury, while Jeremie Frimpong is also ruled out for several weeks with a similar issue. Young defender Giovanni Leoni faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

For Crystal Palace, Cheick Doucoure and teenager Caleb Kporha remain unavailable, though Chadi Riad is close to returning to full training after his knee injury. Both sides will be stretched, and rotation could define the tempo and structure of this contest.

Tactical Balance and Past Encounters

Palace, under Oliver Glasner, have proved difficult opponents for Liverpool in recent seasons. They have already beaten the Reds twice this year, and their disciplined counter-attacking style could again pose problems. However, Palace are also winless in their last four outings, having failed to score in consecutive matches.

Liverpool have not beaten Palace at Anfield since 2021, while their last League Cup meeting was two decades ago when then-European champions Liverpool lost 2-1 at Selhurst Park. Historically, the Reds still hold the upper hand with 37 wins to Palace’s 17, alongside 14 draws.

Prediction and Kick-off Details

The Carabao Cup fourth-round tie will kick off at 7:45pm GMT on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 7pm. Sky subscribers can also stream the game via Sky Go, and live updates will be available throughout the night.

Just how long can this Liverpool malaise continue? It feels like a defining evening at Anfield, with the fans expecting both performance and progress. Palace will arrive confident, but Slot’s men should have enough quality and determination to edge through.

Prediction: Liverpool to win, 2-1.