Gary Neville and Roy Keane have once again found themselves on opposite sides of a football debate, this time regarding their predictions for Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Crystal Palace. The two former Manchester United legends, known for their fiery opinions and brutally honest assessments, offered contrasting views on how the highly anticipated Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park might unfold.
This weekend’s encounter carries a sense of drama and expectation, as both clubs are unbeaten so far in the league. Liverpool have bounced back impressively since their Community Shield heartbreak against Palace last month, stringing together seven consecutive victories under new manager Arne Slot. On the other hand, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace have been nothing short of remarkable themselves, going 17 matches unbeaten in all competitions, a run that underlines their growing stature as a force to be reckoned with. With two streaks on the line, the football world is bracing for an explosive showdown.
During the latest episode of Stick to Football on The Overlap, both Neville and Keane gave their takes on what to expect from Saturday’s battle. Roy Keane was bullish in his backing of Liverpool, confidently predicting a 2-1 win for the Reds. In contrast, Gary Neville leaned toward a more cautious outcome, suggesting that Palace’s resilience could see the game end in a 1-1 stalemate. Their differing forecasts highlight just how finely balanced the match feels, with even seasoned pundits unable to agree on a clear favourite.
Beyond the battle for points, Saturday’s meeting is layered with fascinating subplots. For Liverpool, there is a chance for redemption after losing the Community Shield to Palace on penalties. For both sides, the game also sets the tone ahead of their Carabao Cup tie next month, adding extra spice to an already heated rivalry. Moreover, the backdrop of Marc Guehi’s failed transfer to Anfield adds another twist. The defender, who was on the verge of joining Liverpool on deadline day, will instead face them in Palace colours, determined to prove his worth.
History suggests Liverpool hold the upper hand at Selhurst Park, having won nine and drawn one of their last 10 league visits there. However, those victories have rarely been straightforward, with the Reds often pushed to their limits by Palace’s tenacity. Slot’s men have made a habit of narrowly edging games this season, with all six of their most recent wins coming by a single goal. That trend could well continue in south London, especially with Hugo Ekitike missing through suspension after his ill-disciplined celebration against Southampton.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s squad depth gives them a distinct advantage. Even without Ekitike, the Reds boast a wealth of attacking firepower capable of breaking down stubborn defences. For Palace, their unbeaten streak and recent Wembley triumph will fuel confidence, but they know this will be their sternest test yet. Whether it ends in Keane’s predicted narrow away win or Neville’s call for a hard-fought draw, one thing is certain: this fixture promises to deliver drama, intensity, and potentially season-defining moments for both sides.
