Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Predictions

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace predictions for this Premier League tie. Liverpool, with seven matches left, aim to honour Klopp in his final season; three are at Anfield, starting against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Premier League | Gameweek 33 – Apr 14, 2024 at 2pm UK at Anfield

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Predictions

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Strategic Showdown at Anfield: Klopp’s Rigidity vs Glasner’s Adaptability

As Liverpool prepare to host Crystal Palace at Anfield on April 14, 2024, the stakes are high with both teams having much to play for. Liverpool’s recent form has been a mix of high-scoring games and defensive vulnerabilities, while Crystal Palace, under new management, looks to secure their Premier League status by pulling off a potential upset.

Expected Lineups and Tactical Setups

Liverpool’s Expected Lineup:

• Alisson Becker (GK), Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Ibrahima Konate (CB), Andrew Robertson (LB), Thiago Alcântara (CM), Alexis Mac Allister (CM), Dominik Szoboszlai (CM), Mohamed Salah (RW), Darwin Núñez (ST), Luis Díaz (LW).

Crystal Palace’s Expected Lineup:

• Sam Johnstone (GK), Joel Ward (RB), Joachim Andersen (CB), Marc Guéhi (CB), Tyrick Mitchell (LB), Cheick Doucouré (DM), Eberechi Eze (CM), Jeffrey Schlupp (CM), Michael Olise (RW), Jean-Philippe Mateta (ST), Jordan Ayew (LW).

Liverpool is likely to dominate possession and employ a high pressing strategy. Crystal Palace may opt for a compact defensive structure aiming to exploit Liverpool’s defensive gaps through counter-attacks, primarily focusing on the pace and dribbling ability of Michael Olise and the goal-scoring form of Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Tactical Battlegrounds and Key Match-Ups

The central midfield battle will be crucial, with Liverpool’s trio of Thiago, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai pitted against Palace’s midfield, including the robust Doucouré and the creative Eze. The wings will also be hotly contested areas, especially Liverpool’s right flank where Salah’s matchup against Mitchell could be key. Another significant duel will be between Virgil van Dijk and Mateta, whose physical presence and recent form could pose the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defence.

Liverpool’s pressing game and ability to exploit the width of the pitch, combined with Crystal Palace’s need to manage defensive solidity while posing threats on the break, set the stage for a tactically intriguing contest.

Analytical Insights into Team and Player Performances

Liverpool’s attacking prowess is evident with an average of 2.3 goals per game this season, supported by their high shots on target ratio (6.9 per game). However, their defensive record shows vulnerabilities, having conceded in a significant number of recent games. Crystal Palace, while lower in scoring efficiency, has shown resilience in tough fixtures and has a knack for scoring in away games.

Tactical Analysis: Deep-Dive

Liverpool’s Approach: Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have maintained a high-octane, pressing style. Their approach is to control the game through possession, utilising the offensive prowess of players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz. This trio has been instrumental in Liverpool’s ability to stretch defences and create scoring opportunities from wide and central areas.

Defensively, however, Liverpool have shown vulnerabilities this season, particularly in transitioning from attack to defence, as evidenced by the 13 goals conceded in their last 14 home matches. This susceptibility could be attributed to a high defensive line that, when breached, has often left them exposed.

Crystal Palace’s Tactical Setup: Oliver Glasner’s impact on Crystal Palace has been noticeable in their direct style of play. Opting for a more pragmatic approach, Palace have looked to capitalise on the counter, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise pivotal in exploiting spaces left by opponents.

Defensively, Palace employs a deep-lying setup aimed at absorbing pressure, a strategy that, while reducing the number of shots they face, has led to a high number of goals conceded, particularly in the latter stages of games. This indicates a potential issue with stamina or concentration as matches progress.

Individual Performances and Managerial Impact

The attacking statistics for Liverpool highlight Salah’s exceptional form, leading the line with critical goals and assists. His direct runs and ability to find space in tight areas have been crucial. In contrast, Crystal Palace’s standout has been Mateta, whose recent form under Glasner has seen a significant uptick, suggesting Glasner’s ability to get the best from his forwards.

Klopp’s tactics have always revolved around an aggressive pressing game, but this season has shown that even the best plans need adjusting. The lack of adaptability in games where Liverpool have been ahead yet conceded points to a tactical rigidity that has cost them.

For Glasner, his tenure at Palace is too short to judge definitively, but early signs suggest he is instilling a fighting spirit and a more direct attacking philosophy that has led to goals. However, his team’s defensive frailties need addressing, with a particular focus on maintaining their structure throughout the full 90 minutes.

Expected Goals and Tactical Comparison

When analysing expected goals (xG), Liverpool’s prolificacy is evident with an average of over 2 goals per game, aligning with their high xG stats, indicative of their quality in creating meaningful chances. Palace’s lower xG is reflective of their less dominant play style, relying more on the counter and less on sustained pressure, which might be less effective but is crucial for a team battling relegation.

The comparison in tactics shows Liverpool’s vulnerability against teams that can withstand their initial barrage and exploit the spaces left by their aggressive press. Palace’s counter-attacking style could be precisely the kind of strategy that troubles Liverpool, especially with their current defensive woes.

Controversial Perspective: Klopp’s Tactical Stubbornness

While Klopp’s success at Liverpool is undeniable, this season has exposed a potential stubbornness in adapting his tactics. Despite repeated defensive issues, there has been little variation in approach, which some might argue smacks of complacency or overconfidence. The recent heavy defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League and dropping points in the Premier League could be seen as a direct result of this tactical inflexibility.

In contrast, Glasner’s willingness to shift tactics, even if out of necessity due to injuries, shows a flexibility that Klopp seems to resist. One might argue that Klopp’s better resourced team should be more adaptable, yet it is Glasner’s Palace that has shown more tactical variation in recent weeks.

Recommendations for Improvement

For Liverpool, a reassessment of their defensive strategy is imperative. Introducing variability in their pressing intensity and possibly a more conservative approach in games where they lead could prevent late-game capitulations. For Palace, bolstering their midfield control and maintaining defensive concentration throughout the game could help turn narrow defeats into draws or wins.

In conclusion, this matchup is less about the disparity in team quality and more about a tactical chess match that could either vindicate Klopp’s methodology or continue to expose its current limitations. Conversely, Glasner has a chance to solidify his tactical footprint at Palace, potentially turning them into a team that, while not always spectacular, could be exceptionally hard to beat.

Predictions

Best Tip: Liverpool -1.5 Asian Handicap

Rationale: Liverpool’s formidable attack, averaging 2.3 goals per match this season, suggests they can overcome a -1.5 Asian Handicap. This prediction leans on their recent home form where they’ve consistently scored multiple goals. The strategy here is that Liverpool will win by at least a two-goal margin.

Crystal Palace, although resilient, have shown a tendency to concede multiple goals against high-scoring teams, as evidenced by recent matches where they conceded four goals against Manchester City and five against Arsenal. Liverpool’s aggressive and forward-thinking play, especially at Anfield, should see them cover this handicap comfortably.

Correct Score Prediction: Liverpool 4-1 Crystal Palace

Rationale: Aligning with the Asian Handicap prediction, expecting Liverpool to score four goals against Palace is grounded in statistical trends and recent performances. Liverpool have demonstrated a capacity to score late in games, with a significant number of goals coming in the final 15 minutes.

Crystal Palace’s defence often shows fatigue and lack of concentration as the game progresses, which Liverpool’s attackers are well-positioned to exploit. The predicted score reflects Liverpool’s scoring prowess and the defensive vulnerabilities of Palace, especially in the later stages of the match.

Goalscorer Prediction: Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime

Rationale: Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s top attacking threat with an impressive scoring record this season. His ability to exploit spaces on the right wing and cut inside to his stronger left foot makes him a perpetual menace for defenders.

Given Crystal Palace’s occasional struggles on their left defensive flank, Salah’s positioning and finishing skills make him a prime candidate to add to his goal tally. His consistent performance in front of goal, combined with Palace’s defensive lapses, underscores this prediction.

Corner Prediction: Liverpool Over 7.5 Corners

Rationale: Liverpool’s tactical approach often involves wide play, particularly from full-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, who are known for their crossing abilities. This strategy not only increases the likelihood of scoring but also tends to result in a higher number of corners.

Considering Liverpool’s average of 7.4 corners per game and their tendency to press aggressively, especially when playing from behind or at a deadlock, it is expected that they will surpass the 7.5 corners threshold as they look to dominate and break down a resilient but often besieged Palace defence.

Shot on Target Prediction: Darwin Núñez to Have 1+ Shots on Target

Rationale: Darwin Núñez has been a key figure in Liverpool’s attack, known for his directness and ability to get shots off under pressure. His agility and quick shooting in the box will be crucial against a Crystal Palace side that might focus more on containing Salah, thereby giving Núñez more room to operate.

Given his track record and the expected game dynamics, which will likely see Liverpool create numerous scoring opportunities, Núñez is anticipated to have multiple shots on target, making this a sound prediction.

Yellow Card Prediction: Cheick Doucouré to Receive a Yellow Card

Rationale: Cheick Doucouré, playing a pivotal role in Palace’s midfield, is often tasked with disrupting the opponent’s play through tackles and interceptions. His aggressive style and the need to contend with Liverpool’s dynamic midfielders and forwards could lead to fouls, increasing his chances of receiving a yellow card.

Given the high-pressure situation of this match and Liverpool’s quick-passing game, Doucouré’s involvement in challenges is almost certain, making it likely that he might be booked.

Assist Prediction: Trent Alexander-Arnold to Register an Assist

Rationale: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional ability to deliver accurate crosses and set-pieces makes him a top candidate for registering an assist in any given match. His consistent assist record is a testament to his precision and timing in delivering the ball into key areas.

Against Crystal Palace, whose defence can be vulnerable to well-placed crosses, Alexander-Arnold’s role could be decisive. His involvement in set-pieces further enhances his likelihood of adding to his assist tally, especially with aerially strong players like Van Dijk often targeting his deliveries.

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