Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Preview

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool Preview

The Reds go away to Crystal Palace to try to book their place in the next round of the F.A. cup.

 

Away to Crystal Palace is not a pleasant fixture for Liverpool. It’ll be a long time before the scars of the 3 - 3 draw heal. Then there was the second collapse earlier this season. It’ll be interesting to see if this will hinder Liverpool’s performance at all.

 

Liverpool have been playing very well of late. After an impressive win against Tottenham, Liverpool have only lost once in the last thirteen games, an extra time loss to Chelsea. Liverpool have kept six clean sheets in that time.

 

Crystal Palace meanwhile have been in good form themselves only losing two of their last ten games. They have climbed to thirteenth in the league, five points above the relegation zone and level on points with Everton.

 

They eased past Dover Athletic in the last round and will be hoping to continue their progress. Since they are likely to finish in mid table they will want a good run in the F.A. cup.

 

Liverpool too will be hoping to win the cup. This is Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers third season in charge of the Reds and he is yet to win a trophy. After the loss in the league cup semi-final a victory in the cup could be a top priority for Rodgers.

 

Liverpool have another midweek game next week in the Europa league against Besiktas so they may need to give a few players a rest. Daniel Sturridge seems likely to be back on the bench as Liverpool will not want to risk injury so soon after returning to the start. With Lucas and Gerrard likely to miss the game Allen may come back into the side at the ground where he has scored his only premier league goal.

 

Jordan Ibe is likely to continue his run in the side after two good performances and it will be interesting to see if Mario Balotelli will start the game after scoring his first league goal for Liverpool on Tuesday.

 

Away at Palace is bad fixture for Liverpool. They will have to overcome their fears of previous collapses in order to progress, but with a good recent defensive record I think Liverpool can just about edge this one, although I would not be surprised if this game goes to a replay.