The Reds return to Premier League action this lunchtime with a visit to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, with Liverpool looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Injuries have taken hold of the club this campaign, with first-choice defensive pairing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out for the remainder of the season. This has led to seeing youngsters such as Rhys Williams, Nat Phillips, and Neco Williams take to the defence this season in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Wednesday’s game against Tottenham saw youngster Rhys Williams make his Premier League debut for the club, helping the team to an important 2-1 victory over the North London outfit.
Today’s game against Palace will see the Reds hope to extend their lead at the top of the table – so who might get a place in the starting XI?
Formation: 4-3-3
Alisson will stay in goal with the No.1 one of the inevitable choices in the starting XI. The Brazilian enjoyed a good game overall alongside the rest of the squad against Tottenham, with Sky Sports awarding him an 8/10 match rating.
Can Liverpool beat Crystal Palace?
Yes
No
In defence it will stay the same as against Tottenham but instead, I have a feeling that instead of Rhys Williams, we will see Nat Phillips make his third Premier League start for the club. The 23-year-old impressed against West Ham and Brighton this season, with WhoScored nominating him at the Man of the Match in our 1-1 draw against the Seagulls and I think he will produce another fine performance against Palace today if he makes the starting XI.
Much like the defence, our midfield three will remain the same again. I think these three of Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, and Curtis Jones are our best options in midfield at the moment with Thiago still injured. The trio really impressed against Tottenham with them dictating the pace of play throughout the whole match and really taking it to Tottenham, with the game in their hands and youngster Jones impressing again.
Our front three of Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah will start up top for the Reds – they all impressed on Wednesday and consistently created chances and put pressure on Tottenham’s defence throughout the game. I still feel that these three are our strongest options upfront despite Diogo Jota’s strong form since joining, but the Portuguese forward’s injury has given the usual three the chance to prove themselves as the club’s best options up top.
What do you think Liverpool fans, who would you start against Crystal Palace? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…