Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace | Premier League | Pre Match
Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
As the Premier League season reaches its climactic finale, Liverpool prepare to close out a triumphant 2024-25 campaign at Anfield against Crystal Palace, a match that serves as the warm-up act to the main event: the Reds hoisting the Premier League trophy aloft in front of a jubilant, sell-out crowd. For Liverpool, this game is less about the result and more about celebrating a season of unparalleled dominance, one that has seen them shatter records and reassert their place at the pinnacle of English football under the guidance of Arne Slot. Having clinched the title, the Reds have little left to prove, yet their recent form—a surprising three-game winless streak since being crowned champions—has added an unexpected footnote to an otherwise stellar campaign. Crystal Palace, fresh off their historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, arrive at Anfield with their own reasons to celebrate, basking in the glow of their Wembley success and eyeing a potential top-10 finish in the Premier League. Currently 12th, Palace are just one point behind Bournemouth and two adrift of Fulham, meaning a shock victory at Anfield, coupled with favorable results elsewhere, could propel them into the upper half of the table. The Eagles, led by Oliver Glasner, have been in scintillating form, riding a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions, and their ability to upset the odds against top sides makes them a dangerous proposition, even for a Liverpool side in party mode. The Anfield faithful, eager to witness their first Premier League trophy lift in front of a full house since the COVID-19-marred celebrations of 2020, will create an electric atmosphere, while Palace’s traveling supporters will be buoyed by their team’s recent heroics. This clash, though inconsequential to Liverpool’s title triumph, promises to be a festive yet fiercely contested affair, with both sides aiming to end the season on a high before turning their attention to upcoming challenges, including their Community Shield rematch in August.
Liverpool’s journey to the 2024-25 Premier League title has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by a relentless consistency that saw them pull away from their rivals with a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity. However, their post-title form has been curiously lackluster, with the Reds becoming the first team in Premier League history to fail to win any of their first three games after securing the championship. A forgivable defeat to Chelsea, a second-half collapse against closest rivals Arsenal in a 2-2 draw, and a thrilling 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, where they squandered two leads, have slightly tarnished the sheen of their title-winning campaign. The Brighton match, in particular, exposed uncharacteristic vulnerabilities, with FWA Footballer of the Year Mohamed Salah missing a glaring opportunity that could have altered the outcome. Yet, as Slot himself has emphasized, once Liverpool’s name was etched onto the Premier League trophy, the results of these final games became secondary to the broader achievement. The focus now shifts to celebrating in front of a packed Anfield, a stark contrast to the eerie silence of their 2020 title lift during the pandemic. Liverpool’s remarkable record in final-day fixtures adds to the sense of occasion: they have never lost their last Premier League game of the season at Anfield in the competition’s history, a run that underscores their ability to rise to the moment. Moreover, the Reds are on the verge of joining an elite group, potentially becoming only the third English top-flight side to score at least two goals in 32 or more games in a single season, a feat last accomplished by Tottenham in 1961. With only Alexis Mac Allister (groin) and Tyler Morton (shoulder) ruled out, and Joe Gomez back from a hamstring injury, Slot has a near-full squad to choose from, though decisions over players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who may be making his final Liverpool appearance amid speculation about his future, will add an emotional layer to the day. Conor Bradley is likely to start at right-back, but Slot may opt to manage Alexander-Arnold’s minutes carefully, especially after the mixed reception he received against Arsenal. For Liverpool, this match is about savoring the moment, honoring their supporters, and setting the stage for their Community Shield clash with Palace.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, arrive at Anfield with their heads held high, their FA Cup victory over Manchester City a defining moment in their season and a testament to Glasner’s transformative impact. The Eagles’ ability to upset the odds at Wembley has galvanized the squad, and their midweek 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite heavy rotation, showcased their depth and resilience. Eddie Nketiah, the former Arsenal striker, stole the headlines with a brace in just five minutes, doubling his Premier League goal tally for Palace and signaling his growing importance to the team. Contributions from Ben Chilwell, via a free kick, and the ever-reliable Eberechi Eze further underlined Palace’s attacking potency, making them a side capable of troubling even the champions. Their seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions reflects a team in fine fettle, and their historical knack for spoiling Liverpool’s party—having won each of their last four Premier League victories against the Reds away from home, including last season’s fixture—gives them a flicker of hope. A top-10 finish remains within reach, but it will require a monumental effort at Anfield and help from other results. Glasner’s injury concerns, however, pose a challenge: Adam Wharton, a Liverpool-linked midfielder, is sidelined with concussion from the FA Cup final, while Marc Guehi’s participation is doubtful due to a freak eye injury sustained at Wembley. Long-term absentees Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure (both knee) further deplete Palace’s ranks, though the lack of fresh injuries against Wolves is a small positive. Glasner is likely to restore Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta to the starting lineup after their brief cameos midweek, while Joel Ward, in what will be his final appearance for the club, is expected to lead with his trademark tenacity. The decision to withdraw Will Hughes at half-time against Wolves in favor of Justin Devenny was tactical, suggesting Glasner is carefully managing his squad for this daunting trip north.
The tactical battle at Anfield will pit Slot’s high-octane, possession-based system against Glasner’s pragmatic yet dynamic approach. Liverpool’s attacking trident of Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz will look to exploit Palace’s depleted defense, with Salah eager to atone for his Brighton miss. The Reds’ midfield, led by Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones in Mac Allister’s absence, will aim to control the tempo, while their backline, anchored by Virgil van Dijk, must remain vigilant against Palace’s counter-attacking threat. For Palace, Eze and Mateta will be key to any upset, with their ability to create and convert chances in tight spaces potentially catching Liverpool off-guard. The Anfield atmosphere, charged with the emotion of the title lift, will be both a challenge and an opportunity for Palace, who can draw inspiration from their FA Cup heroics. While the outcome of this match will not alter Liverpool’s celebrations or dampen Palace’s FA Cup joy, it offers both sides a chance to make a statement: for Liverpool, it’s about ending the season with the flair that defined their title charge; for Palace, it’s about proving their mettle against the best. As the Reds prepare to lift the trophy, the focus will be as much on the spectacle as the scoreline, but Palace’s recent form suggests they won’t go down without a fight.
