Merseyside | A match-up with a fascinating history in South London

Crystal Palace v Liverpool preview

Two of the Premier League’s last remaining unbeaten teams meet on Saturday as Crystal Palace host the champions. 

Author | William G

Stadium | Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace v Liverpool back in 2014

The sides already faced each other in the Community Shield back in August, with the Eagles emerging victorious on penalties. Both clubs arrive in confident form after navigating the first five league matches of the season without defeat.

Team news

Ekitike will miss Saturday’s match following his sending-off in the EFL Cup, with the 23-year-old serving a one-match suspension. As a result, Alexander Isak is expected to make his full Premier League debut for the Reds.

Liverpool also faced a setback in their recent win over Southampton, with teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni reported to have suffered a serious ACL injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Liverpool v Southampton in Carabao Cup

Aside from these concerns, Slot has no further injury or suspension issues. He is likely to make up to 10 changes from the side that faced Southampton, although questions remain over Florian Wirtz after the £116 million signing was left on the bench in the Merseyside derby.

Key statistics

Crystal Palace have won just one of their last 16 Premier League encounters with Liverpool, a 1-0 victory at Anfield in April 2024. The Eagles have not scored more than once in any of their last 12 league games against the champions, registering just six goals in total.

Liverpool, by contrast, have won nine and lost none of their last 10 away league fixtures against Palace, drawing once. This marks their longest ongoing unbeaten run away from home in the Premier League against any opponent.

Last-time they faced each other

Palace fans against Liverpool at the Community Shield

Back in August, the two sides faced each other in the Community Shield, where Crystal Palace secured their first-ever title by defeating Liverpool 3–2 in a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw at Wembley.

Liverpool twice took the lead through new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, but Palace responded with goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr, forcing penalties. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson became the hero, saving two Liverpool spot-kicks while Mohamed Salah missed, and substitute Justin Devenny scored the decisive penalty to seal the victory.