17 September 2021, 15:20 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Premier League fixture, Liverpool F.C. vs. Crystal Palace F.C. kicks off at 15:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, September 18, Matchday 5, at the Reds’ home stadium, 53,394-capacity Anfield. First official, Andy Madley, will have Adrian Holmes and Eddie Smart as assistants for this game, while Andre Marriner will be the VAR.
Preview Liverpool Premier League, Sep 18, 2021
Preview Liverpool returns after Wednesday’s 3-2 win over AC Milan in the five-goal thriller UEFA Champions League opener at Anfield. On Matchday 4, the Reds picked up a comfortable 3-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road. Red-hot-form, Mohamed Sala (20’) established the lead for Liverpool with his 100th Premier League goal. Moments later, Sadio Mane failed to convert despite being unmarked and inside the six-yard box. Five minutes after half-time, Fabinho (50’) struck for Liverpool's second. Minutes later, Pascal Struijk (R. 60') saw red for the horror tackle which left Liverpool's Harvey Elliott with a dislocated ankle. Sadio Mane had another frustrating moment in front of goal before Patrick Bamford made an attempt to catch Alisson off his line with a long-range effort a few yards after the halfway line. Mane (90’+2) eventually broke the jinx and wrapped up the three points for Liverpool in stoppage time. The victory leaves the Reds unbeaten in the Premier League: WWDW and in 3rd place, having picked up 10 points after 3W, 1D, & 0L. On the goal-scoring numbers, Liverpool has an average of 2.25 goals per game, having scored nine times in four league games. The Reds have conceded only a goal and thus have a G.D. of +8 and an average of 0.25 g.c. p/g. As so often seen, the 4—3—3 formation with Mane, Diogo Jota, Salah in attack is expected. Mane has scored in each of the last eight appearances against Palace and could become the first-ever player to score in nine consecutive games against a single club in the history of the Premier League. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliot went under the knife for the ankle injury and faces a long spell on the sidelines.
Preview Crystal Palace Premier League, Sep 18, 2021
Preview Crystal Palace surprised onlookers, thrashing an in-form Tottenham 3-0 on home soil to wrap up their first three points of the season in style. In a game plagued by late goals, the Eagles picked up the numerical advantage minutes into the second half after Japhet Tanganga (R. 58’) received the matching orders. Wilfried Zaha (76’ P.) broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before a brace from Odsonne Édouard (84’, & 90’+3) who came off the bench sealed the win. The club moved to 11th place, having picked up 5 points from 1W, 2D, & 1L, which translates into the form: LDDW. The performance in the final third has brought the club 5 goals after four league games, an average of 1.25 goals scored per game, which incidentally coincides with the average number of goals conceded per game. A 4—1—4—1 formation with Benteke at the top of the shape is anticipated against Liverpool on Saturday. Eberechi Eze is ruled out for this game alongside Nathan Ferguson.