Liverpool have enjoyed a dream start to the season, sitting eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after just 12 games.
A resounding 3-1 victory over Manchester City just before the international break dropped the champions to fourth and established the Reds’ supreme control at the start of this campaign.
They’ve only dropped points once this term, coming in the 1-1 draw away at Manchester United, and travel to a Crystal Palace side who are without a win since early October in the league.
Jurgen Klopp may rotate his side more in the coming weeks ahead of a hectic winter fixture schedule.
The Reds have three games in a week before the end of November and face an absolute pile-up of games in December as a result of their Club World Cup commitments.
The international break may not have helped their cause, either. Jordan Henderson missed England’s win in Kosovo as a result of a virus, while Joe Gomez also sat it out thanks to a knee injury.
Mohamed Salah didn’t travel with Egypt after a recurrence of an ankle injury against Man City, while Virgil Van Dijk withdrew from Netherlands’ match against Estonia for personal reasons.
So how will Klopp line up his side?
Trent Alexander-Arnold only played one of England’s two games so he should be refreshed for the trip to London, while Andy Robertson missed Scotland duty as a result of an ankle injury. James Milner would be the most recognisable option to replace the Scottish captain, with Sky Sports reporting that Robertson is set to miss the game.
Van Dijk is expected to be fit at the heat of the defence, but Joel Matip still has a knee problem. Gomez is obviously an option, but Klopp has favoured Dejan Lovren in recent weeks, so the Croatian international looks set to start at Selhurst Park. Indeed, the Croatian’s 5.5 clearances per game on average this season (via WhoScored) could be helpful against an attack to have put three past the Reds in their last meeting.
In midfield, Klopp has options. Fabinho has anchored the three, while Georginio Wijnaldum should start ahead of the Brazilian further up the field. Henderson’s virus makes him a doubt, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return has been a blessing for the Reds.
The former Arsenal man may step into the front three for Salah who is expected to miss out given he’s operated in that role 56 times over the course of his career as per Transfermarkt. Still troubled by an ankle injury suffered against Leicester, Salah missed the game against Manchester United and limped off against City. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino should form the front three with Oxlade-Chamberlain, provided Henderson is fit to start in midfield.
How would you line up? Join the discussion by commenting below…
