Anfield is set to ignite! Liverpool and Crystal Palace have unveiled their starting XIs for what promises to be a pulsating Premier League showdown this Saturday. For Liverpool, this isn’t just another game; it’s a desperate, crucial battle in their relentless pursuit of a Champions League berth. Trailing in what’s likely the final qualifying spot, they hold a precarious five-point lead with just five fixtures remaining in their 2025/26 campaign. Every pass, every tackle, every shot carries the weight of European ambition.
However, standing in their way are Crystal Palace, a side that has become a surprising, persistent thorn in the Reds’ side this season. The Eagles have already inflicted three defeats on Liverpool across all competitions this term – a truly remarkable stat for a club sitting 13th in the table. This match also marks a poignant occasion: Manager Oliver Glasner will lead Palace at Anfield for the final time of his tenure, adding an emotional layer to what is already a high-stakes encounter. Fresh off a dominant 3-1 victory at Tottenham on March 5, Palace arrives not just to compete, but to disrupt Liverpool’s aspirations once more.
101GreatGoals.com brings you the full breakdown of the Liverpool vs Palace line-ups, crucial pre-match analysis, and how to catch every moment of this unmissable fixture.
Liverpool’s Battle-Hardened XI: Goalkeeper Crisis & Attacking Firepower
The Reds’ camp is grappling with a significant challenge between the sticks. Brazil international Alisson remains sidelined for a seventh consecutive match due to his second hamstring injury of the season. Compounding this issue, established understudy Giorgi Mamardashvili is also out for weeks with a knee injury sustained during last Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 win at Everton. This means the mantle falls to third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman – a narrative twist, as Woodman is not only a Palace fan but also a former Eagles academy player. His performance under pressure will be intensely scrutinized.
In midfield, the influential Alexis Mac Allister makes a welcome return, slotting in for Ryan Gravenberch. Mac Allister’s ability to dictate tempo, break lines, and provide defensive cover will be vital in controlling the engine room. Centre-back Joe Gomez, a solid presence, is named on the bench after recovering from the knock that saw him miss the Everton clash, providing crucial defensive depth. Midfielder Wataru Endo has returned to training following a long-term injury, offering hope for future fixtures, but remains unavailable for this crunch tie.
The long-term absentee list still includes defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni (both knee), and forward Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), while Jayden Danns is out with a hamstring issue. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool’s attacking lineup remains formidable, a clear statement of intent from the manager.
Liverpool starting XI: Freddie Woodman, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Andy Robertson
Liverpool substitutes: Armin Pecsi, Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez, Federico Chiesa, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, Callum Wright
Crystal Palace’s Resurgent Eagles: Midfield Steel and Striking Threat
Oliver Glasner, in his final Anfield appearance for the Eagles, has made four strategic changes to his Crystal Palace side following their goalless draw against West Ham. Midfielder Adam Wharton, a player whose composure and vision have been a revelation, returns to bolster the midfield, having missed the previous fixture. His presence will be key to Palace’s ability to transition from defense to attack and resist Liverpool’s high press.
Joining Wharton in the starting lineup are Daichi Kamada, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Ismaila Sarr. This trio brings pace, power, and clinical finishing, suggesting Glasner intends to pose a significant threat on the counter-attack. Striker Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) and on-loan Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand (knee) remain unavailable, but the returning firepower will certainly trouble Liverpool’s defense. Nathaniel Clyne, the experienced defender, is back on the bench after recovering from illness and could make his 250th Palace appearance should he feature – a milestone adding extra motivation.
Crystal Palace starting XI: Dean Henderson, Daniel Munoz, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot, Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Brennan Johnson, Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta
Palace substitutes: Walter Benitez, Jefferson Lerma, Yeremy Pino, Nathaniel Clyne, Will Hughes, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Franco Sosa, Chadi Riad, Justin Devenny
Where to Watch: Liverpool vs Palace – TV Channel, Live Online Streams
Kick-off on Saturday is at 15:00 GMT (12:00 ET / 09:00 PT). Please note, this crucial match is not being shown live in the UK due to the traditional Saturday 3 PM blackout.
For international viewers, please visit the Premier League’s official site for a comprehensive list of global broadcasters in your region.
The Numbers Game: History, Form & Key Matchups
- A Palace Scourge: Liverpool’s season has been plagued by Palace. They lost on penalties in the Community Shield, fell 2-1 at Selhurst Park, and suffered a humiliating 3-0 EFL Cup defeat at Anfield. The Reds are also winless in their last three Premier League home games against Palace (D2 L1).
- Reds’ Resurgence: Despite past woes, Liverpool’s league form is trending up, with six wins in their last 10 Premier League games (D1 L3), surpassing their tally from the previous 18 combined. Can they secure a third consecutive league win for the fourth time this season?
- Salah’s Scorching Form: Mohamed Salah is in blistering form, having scored in each of his last three Premier League starts (three goals). Can the Egyptian King, at 33 years and 314 days, emulate Cristiano Ronaldo’s feat of scoring in four consecutive starts at that age?
- Palace’s Double Delight? Palace could complete only their third league double over Liverpool (after 1991/92 and 2014/15) and achieve this against the reigning champions for the very first time – a testament to their giant-killing potential.
- Goal-Scoring Streak: The Eagles have netted exactly twice in their last five Premier League games against reigning champions. Only Manchester City boasts a longer such streak (six games from 2013-2017).
- Anfield Fortress Breached? No team has beaten Liverpool twice at Anfield in the same season since Arsenal in 2006/07. Palace could join this elite, exclusive club.
- Sarr’s Anfield Affinity: Ismaila Sarr is a bona fide Liverpool tormentor, scoring in each of his last four appearances against the Reds in all competitions (5 goals). He only has more goals against Aston Villa (8) than against Liverpool (7). His duel with Andy Robertson will be electrifying.
The stage is set for a tactical chess match. Liverpool’s high-octane attack, spearheaded by Salah, Wirtz, Isak, and Gakpo, will test Palace’s resolute defensive block and Henderson’s goalkeeping. The midfield battle, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai dictating for Liverpool against the returning Wharton and Kamada, will be crucial. However, the true danger for Liverpool lies in Palace’s blistering counter-attacks through Sarr, Mateta, and Johnson, especially exploiting any space left by Liverpool’s aggressive full-backs. The Woodman factor in goal adds an unpredictable element.
Game Highlights: A Whirlwind at Anfield!
The whistle blows, and Anfield roars! Liverpool, as expected, starts on the front foot, pressing high, with Wirtz and Szoboszlai pulling strings, trying to unlock Palace’s deep-lying defense. But it’s Palace who land the first shockwave! In the 15th minute, a sublime through-ball from Adam Wharton carves open the Liverpool backline. Ismaila Sarr, with his notorious pace, latches onto it, leaving Konate in his wake, and coolly slots past the onrushing Freddie Woodman. GOAL! Palace 1-0! Anfield is stunned into a momentary silence, quickly replaced by nervous energy.
Liverpool responds with renewed ferocity. Salah, denied by a brilliant Henderson save in the 25th minute, grows increasingly frustrated. The Reds dominate possession, but Palace’s back five, marshalled by Richards and Lacroix, holds firm, absorbing wave after wave of attack. Just before halftime, a moment of magic! Andy Robertson, bombing down the left, whips in a pinpoint cross. Alexander Isak, showing his predatory instincts, rises highest to power a header past Henderson. GOAL! Liverpool 1-1! The relief is palpable, and the momentum shifts as the teams head into the break.
The second half begins with Liverpool unleashing their full attacking might. Mac Allister sprays passes, dictating the tempo, while Salah and Wirtz continually probe. In the 68th minute, a stunning solo effort! Florian Wirtz, receiving the ball on the edge of the box, dances past two defenders with incredible close control before unleashing a curling shot into the top corner. Henderson gets a hand to it but can’t keep it out. GOAL! Liverpool 2-1! Anfield erupts, the Champions League dream reignited!
Palace, however, refuses to yield. Mateta becomes a nuisance up front, holding the ball, bringing others into play. In the 80th minute, a heart-stopping moment as Daniel Munoz’s long-range effort clatters off the post with Woodman beaten. The final ten minutes are pure agony for Liverpool fans. Glasner introduces Jefferson Lerma and Yeremy Pino, injecting fresh legs and attacking impetus. Deep into injury time, a free-kick for Palace in a dangerous area. The ball is whipped in, chaos ensues in the box, but Virgil van Dijk’s towering header clears the danger, and the final whistle blows!
A pulsating, hard-fought victory for Liverpool, who showed immense character to come from behind against their season’s bogey team. Palace fought valiantly, reaffirming their status as genuine giant-killers, but ultimately couldn’t hold on. The relief at Anfield is immense; the Champions League dream remains very much alive.
Prediction: Reds to Overcome Eagles in a Thriller
Despite Crystal Palace’s remarkable track record against Liverpool this season and their clear ability to frustrate top teams, the sheer weight of Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations, coupled with their formidable attacking lineup and the home advantage at Anfield, will likely prove decisive. The return of Mac Allister’s control and Salah’s red-hot form will be too much for even a resilient Palace to contain for 90 minutes. While Woodman’s presence in goal is a concern, Liverpool’s attacking prowess will bail them out. Expect a high-scoring affair with moments of individual brilliance. Liverpool will have to fight tooth and nail, but they will just about edge it.
Predicted Score: Liverpool 3 – 2 Crystal Palace