Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. The game, like every game here on out, will play a huge part in the title race. Here’s what we should be looking out for.
Klopp’s need to tinker
Jurgen Klopp has a difficult job this Saturday. Injuries to certain players leave the squad sort in defence but fixing the issue will leave Klopp short in midfield.
Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren are both out, while Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the next few weeks, too, reports claim. Fabinho may cover in the middle of defence with James Milner at right back.
That, however, would leave just Jordan Henderson & Naby Keita as midfield options as Gini Wijnaldum is out, too.
Unquestionably, Klopp’s biggest task against Palace is shaping Liverpool despite limited tools.
Palace away form as they travel to Liverpool
Roy Hodgson’s side have just picked up two notable away results. Yes, it’s only two games but it does give Liverpool something to worry about.
First, and most importantly, they defeated Manchester City at the Etihad before Christmas. That was followed by victory over Wolves at the start of the year and suddenly Palace have a run going.
They’ll arrive at Anfield with confidence – and that’s never a good thing, especially with a makeshift side.
Looking back to last season
This gameweek last year saw Liverpool lose an unbeaten run of 18 games. A 1-0 defeat at Swansea did it and given the Reds’ record this season, it feels like a test.
An FA Cup exit followed that Swansea defeat before Liverpool embarked on a season-defining few months. This season is different though, and Klopp won’t be looking to defeats to push his side in the right direction.
A similar upset to last season won’t do this time around – here’s another opportunity to show Liverpool’s progress.
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