Liverpool Set to Unleash Isak's Firepower Against Crystal Palace as Wirtz Returns to Starting XI
Liverpool are looking to settle the score with Crystal Palace this weekend as they travel to Selhurst Park for their Premier League encounter.
The Merseyside club suffered defeat to Saturday's opponents in the Community Shield during early August, giving up leads on two occasions before ultimately falling in a penalty shootout. With ten victories in their previous 11 visits to Palace, they'll be optimistic about securing payback in London.
Liverpool approach this fixture on the back of impressive form, having secured seven consecutive wins across all tournaments, though Arne Slot recognizes that performances require enhancement. Their winning run has contained a considerable amount of fortune, leaving Palace well-positioned to capitalize if that luck runs out.
Here's how Liverpool might set up at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—The Brazilian goalkeeper sat out Liverpool's midweek Carabao Cup triumph against Southampton, ensuring he's well-rested for the Palace clash. Alisson will certainly face challenges in the capital given his team's shaky defensive displays.
RB: Conor Bradley—With Jeremie Frimpong featuring for the full 90 minutes against Southampton, Bradley is expected to reclaim his spot on Saturday. The Northern Ireland defender made his Premier League debut against Everton last weekend and handled the challenging Jack Grealish effectively.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Giovanni Leoni's serious ACL injury increases the burden on Liverpool's remaining center-backs, with Konaté's fitness history potentially worrying Slot. While he rarely faces lengthy absences, he does have a pattern of occasional month-long spells on the sidelines.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool's defense would have struggled significantly without their captain during the season's early stages. The Reds appear vulnerable defensively, but their commanding Dutch defender isn't at fault as he continues delivering exceptional performances.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez has faced difficulties adapting to Anfield life but showed promise in the recent Merseyside derby. The full-back must counter Daniel Muñoz's attacking runs this weekend and will hope Ismaïla Sarr remains sidelined with injury.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch delivered an outstanding performance against Everton last weekend, finding the net and providing an assist to reach four goal contributions this campaign—matching his entire previous season's output.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister's playing time has been strategically managed this season due to various injury worries, but the Argentine gained from a quiet midweek and should feature at Selhurst Park.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Wirtz was surprisingly benched for the Merseyside derby and was absent from midweek action. He's had a quiet beginning to his Liverpool career following his £116 million transfer and will be eager to open his account at Selhurst Park.
RW: Mohamed Salah—The Egyptian winger hasn't been as dynamic as during much of last season, yet he's still contributed three goals and three assists across all competitions. He also boasts an excellent record versus Palace, with 14 goal contributions in 17 encounters.
ST: Alexander Isak—Hugo Ekitiké's foolish red card against Southampton rules him out for the weekend, with Isak, who scored his first Liverpool goal against the Saints, taking his place up front. Slot has suggested a 60-70-minute appearance in the capital for the Swedish striker.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo now confronts real competition from Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha—the latter having just signed his first professional deal on Thursday—but possesses sufficient goodwill to maintain his status as Slot's preferred left-wing option.
