Liverpool vs Crystal Palace - The Big Match Preview

Can the Reds bounce back at Selhurst Park?-

Sunday, 8 November 2026 | 2:00 PM GMT | Selhurst Park.

The Liverpool team travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon knowing anything less than a win will increase the pressure surrounding Andoni Iraola's side.

Match Context

The Reds have not enjoyed the best week. Back-to-back defeats, including Wednesday night's 3-2 Champions League loss to Fenerbahçe, have raised fresh questions about their defensive organisation, consistency and ability to manage difficult moments in matches.

But football rarely gives you time to dwell on disappointment. Another challenge is already waiting, and this time it comes against a Crystal Palace side desperate to turn their season around.

For Palace, this is an opportunity to take advantage of Liverpool's current uncertainty. For Liverpool, it is a chance to remind everyone that a difficult week does not define an entire season.

And with Selhurst Park rarely being the most comfortable destination for visiting teams, this promises to be an interesting afternoon.

Head to head history.

When discussing Crystal Palace and Liverpool, the historical numbers favour the Merseyside club.

The two sides have met 69 times in competitive football, with Liverpool recording 37 victories, Crystal Palace winning 17 and 15 encounters ending in draws.

That is a significant advantage for the Reds, but recent history suggests that Palace are becoming increasingly difficult opponents.

Liverpool's 7-0 demolition of Palace at Selhurst Park in December 2020 remains one of the most memorable results between the clubs. Mohamed Salah came off the bench to score twice, while Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Takumi Minamino and Salah all contributed to an extraordinary afternoon.

However, Palace have also produced some memorable results of their own.

Their 1-0 victory at Anfield in April 2024 was particularly significant. Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal, handing Palace a memorable away victory against a Liverpool side fighting for the Premier League title.

Then came another painful afternoon for Liverpool supporters.

On 27 September 2025, Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park, ending another difficult away visit for the Reds.

Liverpool eventually responded with a 3-1 victory at Anfield on 25 April 2026.

The message is clear: historical superiority counts for something, but it does not guarantee three points.

Liverpool have the stronger historical record, but Palace have demonstrated that they can hurt the Reds, even on their own territory.

Andoni Iraola vs Pierre Sage

Another interesting dimension of Sunday's encounter is the battle between the two managers.

Andoni Iraola arrived at Liverpool with the responsibility of maintaining the club's competitive standards while establishing his own tactical identity.

His football is built around intensity, aggressive pressing, quick transitions and getting players forward with purpose. He wants Liverpool to dominate territory, recover possession quickly and attack before opposition defences can reorganise.

However, his Liverpool side have shown some vulnerability when opponents bypass their pressing structure.

Pierre Sage, meanwhile, faces a different challenge with Crystal Palace.

Sage needs to find a way to make his team more consistent, particularly in the final third. His side have struggled for results recently, and the absence of important attacking players makes Sunday's assignment even more complicated.

Nevertheless, Iraola has a notable record against Crystal Palace, having recorded three victories and three draws in six previous encounters.

That is an encouraging statistic for Liverpool supporters, although the circumstances of Sunday's match will be different.

Predicted XI, Key Players and Team News

Both managers have important decisions to make before kick-off, particularly with several first-team players unavailable.

Crystal Palace

Palace will be without Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is suspended following his red card against Tottenham. Ismaïla Sarr is also unavailable through injury, while Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined.

The absence of Mateta is particularly significant. He offers Palace physicality, aerial ability and a reliable presence inside the penalty area. Replacing that contribution against Liverpool's centre-backs will not be easy.

Eddie Nketiah and Jørgen Strand Larsen are the leading options to occupy the central attacking position.

Predicted Crystal Palace XI (3-4-2-1):

Dean Henderson; Jaydee Canvot, Axel Disasi, Chris Richards; Anan Khalaili, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell; Yéremy Pino, Evann Guessand; Eddie Nketiah.

Liverpool.

Liverpool also have their own selection concerns.

Ryan Gravenberch is a doubt with a heel problem, while Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are unavailable.

However, Iraola is expected to restore several established starters after rotating his team against Fenerbahçe.

Alisson should return between the posts, with Virgil van Dijk expected to marshall the defence. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai could provide the midfield balance, while Florian Wirtz will be expected to create opportunities behind Alexander Isak.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1):

Alisson Becker; Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister; Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak.

One of the biggest battles will take place in midfield.

Crystal Palace will need Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada to disrupt Liverpool's passing rhythm and prevent Wirtz and Mac Allister from finding pockets of space.

If Liverpool are allowed to dictate possession without pressure, Palace could spend long periods defending close to their penalty area.

However, Palace have an opportunity to exploit Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities through quick transitions.

The Reds have conceded too many avoidable goals recently, and their 3-2 defeat in Istanbul demonstrated how quickly their defensive structure can unravel when opponents attack with speed.

Yéremy Pino could be particularly important for Palace. His movement, creativity and ability to operate between the lines could cause problems for Liverpool's defensive midfielders.

For Liverpool, the combination of Wirtz, Gakpo and Barcola will be crucial. Their movement could stretch Palace's defensive structure and create opportunities for Isak.

The Swedish striker needs better service, and Sunday's encounter could provide an opportunity to rediscover his scoring rhythm.

The key players to watch

Crystal Palace: Adam Wharton

Wharton could be the most important player in Palace's midfield. His ability to receive possession under pressure, distribute the ball and control transitions will be vital if the hosts are to compete with Liverpool.

Liverpool: Florian Wirtz

Liverpool need Wirtz to produce the creativity and attacking intelligence that made him such an exciting addition. His ability to find spaces between Palace's midfield and defence could determine how dangerous the Reds become.

Liverpool: Alexander Isak

Isak will also be under scrutiny. Liverpool need their centre-forward to convert the opportunities created around him. Against a Palace defence that could spend considerable time defending, his movement inside the box will be particularly important.