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Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Predicted XI and Latest Team News
Liverpool return to Anfield with momentum building, yet Arne Slot continues to juggle a squad stretched by injuries. The visit of Crystal Palace offers another opportunity to consolidate their position, though team selection remains far from straightforward.
Injury Concerns Shape Liverpool Selection
Liverpool hope to have Alisson Becker fit for the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Brazilian’s absence in recent weeks has been felt, particularly after the disruption caused in the previous outing when third-choice stopper Freddie Woodman replaced the Georgian for the remainder of the game, which the Reds won 2-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Slot’s season has been punctuated by setbacks. Just as Alexander Isak worked his way back from a broken leg, Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign and this summer’s World Cup. It is the kind of cruel timing that has defined Liverpool’s injury narrative this year.
Elsewhere, Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a minor muscle issue, while Wataru Endo’s ankle problem, sustained earlier in the season against Sunderland, continues to keep him out of contention. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable, both dealing with long-term knee injuries.
Photo: IMAGO
Defensive Decisions and Tactical Balance
There is a growing discussion around Liverpool’s right-back role. Curtis Jones was deployed there recently, offering control in possession, before Jeremie Frimpong added a more traditional attacking outlet late on. That duality reflects Slot’s flexibility, but also highlights a lack of settled options.
At centre-back, the pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk remains non-negotiable. With limited alternatives, consistency has become a necessity rather than a preference. On the left, Andy Robertson edged ahead of Milos Kerkez in the last outing, though rotation remains possible given the schedule.
Midfield Structure and Attacking Threat
Liverpool’s midfield setup has leaned towards balance. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have formed a functional pivot, offering both physicality and progression. Ahead of them, Florian Wirtz operates as the creative fulcrum, tasked with linking midfield and attack.
In the final third, the shape is clearer. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo provide width and goal threat, supporting Alexander Isak through the middle. With Ekitike unavailable, Isak’s fitness and sharpness will be crucial as Liverpool look to maintain their attacking edge.
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
With fitness tests still pending, this is how Liverpool could line up at Anfield:
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Doubts remain over Alisson, Gomez and Endo, while Ekitike, Bradley, Leoni and Mamardashvili are confirmed absentees.
Liverpool’s depth will be tested once again, but at Anfield, even a patched-up side carries enough quality to challenge Crystal Palace. The key question is not simply who starts, but whether the balance across the pitch can deliver the control Slot demands.
