After winning three consecutive matches, Liverpool will be looking to take their momentum forward when they face Crystal Palace on Sunday. They are back at Anfield after their long trip to Russia. Traveling to Russia and returning back and playing another match just two days after maybe a tiring schedule, but excuses are of no use here. Jurgen Klopp and his players will be looking for three points from Crystal Palace.
Here is Liverpool’s predicted lineup to face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet
Is there a doubt here? The Belgian had a quiet night in Russia on Thursday and he was made to just stand there between the sticks in the cold climate. He did not even have to make a save, but things won’t be the same against Crystal Palace. He will need to keep up his form and will need to be solid in Liverpool’s goal.
Defenders – Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno
Liverpool’s defense look solid at the moment and making a change to this back four will be a big gamble. Nathaniel Clyne has played every minute for Liverpool after the last international break. A total of six games were played in one month’s gap and Clyne has played every minute of it. He might need a rest, but he won’t be getting any. He is in good form and benching him would break his momentum. And also there are no other right back options for Liverpool.
The only option they had was Connor Randall and Klopp confirmed earlier this week that Randall has also suffered an injury. Dejan Lovren started for Liverpool instead of Martin Skrtel against Rubin Kazan and he played quiet well, but that won’t give him a permanent first team spot. Martin Skrtel is expected to come back Liverpool’s starting lineup. Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno are in great form, benching anyone of them will be the worst decision for Liverpool. And that is not going to happen. They will continue to play Liverpool’s back four and we can expect solid performances from both the players.
Midfielders – James Milner, Lucas Leiva, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana
Milner’s performances are not at all encouraging, but Liverpool have no other option. He is the captain in charge at the moment. Emre Can is the other fit central midfielder Liverpool has got but he played the full 90 minutes against Rubin Kazan, while Milner was subbed off at 60 minutes. Milner will probably lose his spot in the starting lineup when Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson returns. Lucas Leiva has been in top form for Liverpool and he did not start against Kazan, these two reasons confirms that Lucas will start for Liverpool against Crystal Palace.
Firmino started for Liverpool against Rubin Kazan and he put up a good performance, while Lallana and Coutinho were only on the bench. Firmino was subbed off at the 81st minute and he is expected to again start for Liverpool and continue his good form. Both Lallana and Coutinho were not included in the starting lineup on Thursday and this already confirms the fact that both of them will start for Liverpool against Crystal Palace. Lallana is in great form and he will be looking to get results. Meanwhile, Klopp confirmed after the Kazan game that Coutinho had a small hamstring injury, but his injury is not serious and is expected to come straight back into Liverpool’s starting line up.
Striker – Christian Benteke
The Belgian has scored in Liverpool’s last two premier league matches and would want to take his momentum forward and score more goals. Benteke played the full 90 minutes against Rubin Kazan, and considering his injury prone nature, he may get replaced by Divock Origi.
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