Liverpool and Crystal Palace are set to face off in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Wednesday night, with both teams looking to recover from poor recent form.
Arne Slot’s side have endured a tough run, losing five of their last six matches in all competitions, including a 3–2 defeat to Brentford on Saturday — their fourth straight Premier League loss. Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner’s Palace team have also struggled, going winless in their last four outings following a recent loss to Arsenal.
Both clubs are managing injury concerns ahead of this clash, which could influence the managers’ selections. Here’s a look at the expected lineups and updates.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool remain without Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni, and Jeremie Frimpong due to ongoing injuries. However, there’s positive news as Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch are nearing returns after missing the Brentford game with minor knocks.
Curtis Jones was forced off injured during the weekend’s defeat and remains a doubt. Young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman could be given a rare start ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool Injuries and Potential Return Dates
Giovanni Leoni: Knee — Expected return: March 8, 2026
Jeremie Frimpong: Hamstring — Expected return: November 22, 2025
Alisson Becker: Hamstring — Expected return: November 9, 2025
Alexander Isak: Groin — Expected return: October 29, 2025
Slot’s Update on Team Selection
Slot didn’t hold a pre-match press conference but offered a brief injury update after the Brentford game:
“He [Jones] asked to be taken off, but he walked off instead of needing a lot of treatment, so I have to wait and see.
Of course, we have already faced Palace in the Premier League this season, and that result wasn’t what we hoped for. Their winning goal came very late after we had equalised, so we must be aware of their resilience and threat throughout the match.
I haven’t finalised the squad yet — we’ll need to train and check availability — but whoever plays must be ready to face a side like Palace.”
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Gomez, Konate, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Predicted Substitutes: Woodman (GK), Williams, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Nyoni, Wirtz, Salah, Ngumoha, Isak.
With the Carabao Cup unlikely to be a top priority, Slot is expected to rotate his squad. Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa could return to the starting lineup, while Virgil van Dijk, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak may start from the bench.
Crystal Palace Team News
Palace are also battling injury setbacks, but manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that summer signings Walter Benitez and Jaydee Canvot will start in defence.
Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha, and Chadi Riad remain long-term absentees, while Eddie Nketiah is pushing for a start after scoring the winner in the previous meeting between the sides.
Glasner’s Update
In his pre-match press conference, Glasner said:
“We came through the last game well, but Chris Richards has a slight calf issue and won’t travel to Liverpool.
All the others are fine and recovered well. The players showed at the Emirates that they are fit and determined until the final whistle.
Jaydee [Canvot] and Walter [Benitez] will start — they’ve earned it through their training performances.”
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup
Predicted XI: Benitez; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Sosa; Sarr, Nketiah, Uche.
Predicted Substitutes: Henderson (GK), Mitchell, Clyne, Hughes, Devenny, Cardines, Esse, Mateta, Pino.
Glasner is expected to make adjustments in an attempt to revive Palace’s form. Borna Sosa could return to the starting XI, while Nketiah is tipped to lead the line. This may leave Mateta and Yeremy Pino — who earn a combined £137,000 a week — on the bench