Liverpool head into the weekend with confidence as they prepare to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Arne Slot’s side has been in exceptional form since the start of the Premier League season, winning all five of their opening matches. A victory in South London would not only make it six consecutive wins but also further solidify their position at the top of the table. The momentum is with the Reds, and Slot’s rotation strategy has ensured freshness across the squad.
Earlier this week, Liverpool edged Southampton 2-1 in the Carabao Cup, a game that provided the manager with an opportunity to hand valuable minutes to squad players. In that match, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike both found the net, but the night ended on a sour note for Ekitike. His overzealous celebration after scoring resulted in a second yellow card, leaving him suspended for the Palace clash. This development has somewhat simplified Slot’s selection dilemma, as Isak now becomes the obvious choice to lead the line once more.
Despite that setback, Liverpool still boast an almost fully fit squad. The only injury concern remains young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who is ruled out. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister’s availability is still uncertain due to fitness concerns, and Slot may opt to ease him back by keeping him on the bench. That leaves Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai as the most likely central pairing in midfield. Ahead of them, Florian Wirtz will continue in the No. 10 role, tasked with orchestrating attacks and creating openings for Isak and Mohamed Salah.
In terms of attacking support, Cody Gakpo and Salah are expected to start on either flank. Federico Chiesa, who impressed massively with a Man of the Match display against Southampton, looks set to begin from the bench. Slot hinted during his pre-match press conference that Chiesa would be more valuable as a game-changing substitute, with his pace and creativity being utilized against tired legs in the latter stages. This decision also reflects Slot’s preference for balance in his attacking trio, meaning Gakpo is likely to keep his spot.
Defensively, Liverpool will welcome back Alisson Becker in goal after resting him midweek. While Giorgi Mamardashvili enjoyed his debut against Southampton, Alisson’s return adds world-class assurance between the sticks. In front of him, the back four should feature Conor Bradley at right-back, Milos Kerkez at left-back, and the trusted partnership of Virgil van Dijk alongside Ibrahima Konaté in central defence. With Giovanni Leoni sidelined for the long term, that duo’s consistency will be crucial until potential reinforcements arrive in January.
All things considered, Slot is expected to make as many as ten changes from the Carabao Cup lineup, with Isak the only player retaining his place. The predicted starting XI is: Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak. While Curtis Jones is pushing hard for a role in midfield and Chiesa is knocking on the door of the first XI, it seems Slot will stick with his established core for this tricky away tie.
Liverpool know Crystal Palace will not make life easy. Selhurst Park is a notoriously difficult ground for visiting teams, and Palace are known for their physicality and counterattacking threat. Still, with depth across the squad, renewed energy, and five consecutive league wins behind them, the Reds will enter the contest brimming with confidence, determined to continue their perfect start to the campaign.
