Our Liverpool punters here at the Transfer Tavern have been delighted with the way their side has started the campaign, and it’s easy to see why they are so happy, they look a side rejuvenated this season.
Jurgen Klopp is begging to find a winning chemistry in his side, as they dominated their previous game at West Brom and only came out 2-1 winners in the late kick-off last Saturday.
It’s clear some things still need tweaking but they are much better than they have been in recent starts to a season.
They currently sit third in the table, level on points with both Manchester City and Arsenal.
This weekend they face a strong Crystal Palace side, who themselves made a great start but have fallen a bit short against West Ham United and Leicester City in their past two fixtures.
This could be an ideal time for Klopp to face Pardew’s side.
Here is the XI that we feel Liverpool should field against Palace in order to maintain their brilliant start to the campaign….
GK: LORIS KARIUS
The 23-year-old has looked relatively steady since arriving at Anfield in the summer, though has looked shaky on occasions.
Our landlord here in the Tavern thinks that the German is still adapting to the demands and rigours of the Premier League, but tips him to start against Alan Pardew’s Palace side.
RB: NATHANIEL CLYNE
Nathaniel Clyne has been in what could be the best form of his career in recent weeks, and he not only gives the Liverpool side a great defensive element to his game but he is also fond of an offensive attack.
The England International has plenty of pace going forward and great stability at the back – he’s the perfect match for a modern day right-back.
CB: JOEL MATIP
Liverpool have lacked in central defenders in recent years, but they seem to have found their man in free-agent Joel Matip.
What a bargain buy from the gaffer Klopp – the former Schalke man has been a rock at the back for Liverpool and forged quite the partnership with Lovren in the heart of the Liverpool defence.
There is no real challenger at this current moment for his spot but when Sakho is back with the club perhaps he could pose some threat but with Matip’s form its highly unlikely he wont be on the team sheet on a regular basis.
CB: DEJAN LOVREN
Dejan Lovren struggled when he first arrived at the club under Brendan Rodgers, however since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp its seen a mass serge in performances from the Croatian defender.
The defender looks much more solid in the heart of the Liverpool defence.
He’s become a key defender in the Klopp era thus far, not only with his defending but his ability to go up the field and find the back of the net with his powerful heading ability.
LB: JAMES MILNER
Playing out of position at left-back, not that you can tell!
He’s slotted in perfectly at the full-back position.
The veteran English midfielder has been a rather underrated player in his career so far, but he’s been a key man at every club he’s played for.
Now playing in a defensive role and looking a much more solid option than the out and out left-back Alberto Moreno who has been questionable in his time at Liverpool.
Milner will be a key player if Liverpool are to push for the title this season.
CM: EMRE CAN
The German International is a very versatile player and can play anywhere along the back line as well as anywhere in midfield , making him the perfect player to have in your squad.
Still a very young player and has a lot to improve on, but during his last few games for the club has been vital in every section of the field and for us, he must maintain his spot and play more regular football at the Anfield club.
CM: JORDAN HENDERSON
The Liverpool captain has had his critics and rightly so at times, but he is filling some of the biggest boots in football as many see him as the replacement Steven Gerrard.
He’s not quite lived up to that yet but he still has a long way to go in his career, and we are sure he’ll only get better and he has shown glimpses of magic at times so far for Liverpool.
RAM: ADAM LALLANA
Another player to come out his shell at Liverpool under Klopp.
His skills are second to none and he’s up there as one of the most skillful English players around at the moment.
His ability to connect the play from the more defensive central midfielders to those attacking in-front of him is fantastic.
He’ll cause issues all over the park for the Palace midfield.
LAM: SADIO MANE
The Senegalese player has been a revelation since arriving from Southampton in the summer transfer window.
After a great few seasons at Southampton – he has kept that up and improved massively in his short time at the club so far.
He appears to be the missing puzzle piece at Liverpool, and when he plays he looks as though he has been in the team for many of year!
He’s the perfect fit and is vital to the side if they want to win games.
CAM: PHILIPPE COUTINHO
Coutinho was fantastic against West Brom in their game on Saturday just gone, it appears Klopp has had his effect on the young Brazilian and is getting some of the best football we’ve seen in this country out of him.
His quality will cause all kinds of problems for the Palace defence that could well be without experienced defender Scott Dann, which makes all the difference for Pardew’s side and Delaney will have problems keeping tabs of Coutinho at all times.
ST: ROBERTO FIRMINO
The Brazilian striker has been superb so far this season for Liverpool, he may not always be on the score sheet but he tends to be involved in some way when his side to score.
The 25-year-old finally looks worth the fee Liverpool paid Hoffenheim for his services.
He has great link up with his fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho, they have great chemistry on the pitch and when they combine it will be a tough ask for Palace to defend against them.
