On Saturday, at 12:30, the 14th round of the Premier League begins with a very interesting match: Crystal Palace receives the visit of Liverpool, on Selhurst Park. The “Cormorants” start with the first chance after the derby with Tottenham (2-1), from the middle of the week, but Palace is a formidable team on their own field and promises a new big surprise in England.
After the first 12 matches, Liverpool is on the 2nd place in the Premier League, with a quality offensive, but with some problems in defense (obvious also in the match with Aston Villa, 2-7). Instead, Crystal Palace is in the middle of the standings and has a balanced goal average, which illustrates well the game of “eagles”. Palace recently tied some positive results in the Premier League, such as victories with Leeds United (4-1) and WBA (5-1), but also a draw with Tottenham (1-1).
In the London derby, the red-blues equalized late through Schlupp and obtained a precious draw, which maintains a good morale in the “eagles” camp. Liverpool, on the other hand, have favorable statistics from direct duels with Palace: seven consecutive victories in all competitions, most of them after open games. And Palace is not the kind of team that has a track record against Liverpool, because Roy Hodgson’s boys are already “used” to make surprises against the giants, especially with the goals scored in the second half, on their own field.
Thus, at least three goals have been scored in 4 of the last 5 direct matches, and the “cormorants” boast 10 goals scored in the previous three games with Palace. In the previous trip to Selhurst Park, the champion won hard, with goals from Mane (’49) and Firmino (’85), who avoided the surprise, despite the goal scored late by Zaha (’82). No less than 17 corners were executed in that match and we are waiting again for a favorable scenario for the show. We bet in time, just to catch the best odds in the goal selections on both sides! The lack of solutions on Jurgen Klopp’s bench invites the hosts to a brave tactical game and that’s why we don’t think we will see a clear success of the guests.
There are lot problems in both camps. Crystal Palace cannot count on the injured Wickham, Martin Kelly, Hennessey and Ferguson, but also on the suspended Benteke (ex-Liverpool). Instead, Mamadou Sakho is uncertain before the duel with his former team. Nathaniel Clyne will be in Roy Hodgson’s side. Jurgen Klopp is not very calm either: Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Shaqiri, Gomez and Milner are absent. Joel Matip is just uncertain in the “cormorants” camp.
Liverpool has 7 consecutive victories against Palace, in all competitions;
Liverpool have lost just two games in the last two months in all competitions;
Liverpool have scored 10 goals in their previous three direct duels with Palace (4-0, 2-1, 4-3);
Palace has scored in 3 of the last 5 direct duels with Liverpool;
Liverpool has a victory and four draws in the 6 away games this season;
Christian Benteke, a former Liverpool striker, is suspended. He scored three goals in the last two stages;
Sadio Mane has not scored in 8 stages and could be a backup, with Divock Origi as a guest;
Crystal Palace has a balanced balance at home this season: two wins, two draws, two failures;
Liverpool has a modest record in away games this season: a victory in six matches;
Liverpool leads the Premier League, with three wins and two draws in the last 5 stages;
PREDICTION: Liverpool to win @ 1,54
