Match Preview for Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s turbulent start to the season could take another hit when they host Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday night.
Arne Slot’s side have endured a dreadful run, losing five of their last six matches in all competitions. Their grip on domestic silverware is loosening, and the EFL Cup may be their best opportunity to regain some confidence before the Premier League resumes.
A 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt offered brief respite, but the Reds quickly fell back into bad habits in a chaotic 3-2 defeat to Brentford.
That result marked a fourth straight Premier League loss, making Slot’s team only the fourth defending champion in the competition’s history to lose four in a row.
Liverpool now sit seven points behind leaders Arsenal and look a shadow of the side that dominated last season. Defensive frailties have been the key issue – they’ve kept just two clean sheets in 14 matches – and questions are mounting about the team’s leadership.
They narrowly edged past Southampton 2-1 in the previous round, but having exited the competition at this stage twice in the past five years, Slot knows a strong response is vital.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, arrive at Anfield in their own slump. After lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield, the Eagles have struggled to find rhythm in the EFL Cup, a trophy that has always eluded them. Their 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the weekend was their third defeat this month, leaving them winless in four.
Oliver Glasner’s side had built up a club-record 19-match unbeaten streak earlier this season, including a penalty shootout win over Millwall in the previous round, but that run feels distant now.
Even so, Palace have enjoyed rare success against Liverpool recently, beating them in both the Community Shield and Premier League this season, and they have not lost at Anfield since 2021.
Team news for Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Liverpool suffered another injury setback in the defeat to Brentford, with Curtis Jones forced off through injury. Slot suggested the issue might not be serious, but the midfielder remains a doubt for this tie.
Alexander Isak (groin) and Ryan Gravenberch (ankle) are unlikely to feature, while Alisson Becker (hamstring), Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) remain sidelined.
Slot is expected to rotate heavily, with third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and right-back Calvin Ramsay both in contention for rare starts.
Crystal Palace’s squad situation is unchanged. Caleb Kporha (back), Chadi Riad (knee) and Cheick Doucoure (knee) are the only absentees. Glasner could also refresh his side after a demanding run of fixtures, with Eddie Nketiah pushing for a recall following his winner against Liverpool last month. Former Red Nathaniel Clyne may also come into the lineup.
Expected line-ups for Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Liverpool: Woodman; Ramsay, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Ekitike
Crystal Palace: Benitez; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa; Esse, Devenny; Nketiah
How to watch Liverpool v Crystal Palace: TV channel, online stream
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace kicks off at 7:45pm (UK time) on Wednesday, October 30 at Anfield.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
The stats for Liverpool v Crystal Palace
- Liverpool have lost five of their last six games in all competitions
- The Reds have conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven matches
- Crystal Palace are winless in their last four fixtures (D1, L3)
- Palace have not reached the EFL Cup semi-finals since 2011-12
- Liverpool have progressed from this stage twice in the last five years, winning the competition in 2022 and 2024
- Palace have avoided defeat in their last three visits to Anfield
Prediction
Both teams are under pressure to respond after difficult spells, but Liverpool’s superior depth and home advantage should see them through.
Crystal Palace have struggled to create chances in recent matches and may find it hard to cope with Liverpool’s attacking quality.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace
