Premier League Preview – Crystal Palace vs Liverpool | OneFootball

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025

Venue: Selhurst Park

Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Liverpool’s relentless start to the 2025/26 campaign takes them to Selhurst Park, where Arne Slot’s champions aim to extend their winning streak to eight in all competitions. Having edged past Southampton 2-1 in midweek EFL Cup action, the Reds turn their focus back to the league, where they remain flawless and top of the table. This will also be the first fixture of the season not televised in the UK, leaving supporters reliant on updates as Liverpool looks to maintain momentum.

Crystal Palace Availability

Oliver Glasner’s Palace side are still adapting to life without Eberechi Eze, but remain a stubborn and difficult opponent at Selhurst Park. With the likes of Yeremy Pino carrying the creative load and Jean-Philippe Mateta offering physicality up top, the Eagles have weapons to test even the strongest sides. Palace’s form has been inconsistent, however, and their vulnerability against high-tempo attacks has already been exposed this season. Injury concerns persist as Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucoure, and Walter Benitez remain out, while both Yeremy Pino Santos and Ismaila Sarr are expected to be fit to play.

Concerning recent form, a 1-2 away win over West Ham followed a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland. Progression into the 4th round of the EFL was secured after a penalty shootout win against Millwall, leading to a next round tie against Liverpool at Anfield.

Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup (3-4-3):

GK: Dean Henderson

RCB: Chris Richards

CB: Maxence Lacroix

LCB: Marc Guéhi

RWB: Daniel Muñoz

LWB: Tyrick Mitchell

CM: Adam Wharton

CM: Will Hughes

RW: Yeremy Pino Santos

CF: Jean-Philippe Mateta

LW: Ismaila Sarr

Liverpool Availability

Midweek events will shape Arne Slot’s team selection. Hugo Ekitike is suspended after his red card against Southampton, meaning Alexander Isak is set to lead the line. Giovanni Leoni suffered a devastating ACL injury and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, leaving Liverpool light in defensive depth but otherwise close to full strength.

The lineup is expected to closely resemble the side that defeated Everton in last weekend’s Merseyside Derby, with Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz providing support in wide areas and Ryan Gravenberch continuing his rich vein of form in midfield. With Virgil van Dijk marshalling the defence and Isak eager to cement his place, Liverpool arrive in south London with plenty of confidence.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Conor Bradley

RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Milos Kerkez

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Alexander Isak

LW: Florian Wirtz

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Crystal Palace will aim to frustrate, relying on Sarr and the physical presence of Mateta to make life uncomfortable for Liverpool’s back line. Their compact shape and direct approach could slow the game, but Liverpool’s tempo and individual quality have so far proven too much for any opponent.

For Slot’s side, the key will be composure in possession and patience against Palace’s low block. Gravenberch and Mac Allister will be tasked with dictating rhythm, while Wirtz and Salah’s creativity out wide should create the space Isak needs to deliver decisive moments. The Swede has looked sharper with each outing and could relish this as a platform to assert himself.

If Liverpool remain clinical and manage the atmosphere, their superiority should prevail.

Player to Watch: Alexander Isak

With Ekitike suspended, Isak has the stage to stake his claim as Liverpool’s main striker. His blend of movement, height, and composure in front of the goal makes him the perfect weapon against a Palace side vulnerable to smart runs in behind.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Crystal Palace 0 – 2 Liverpool