Crystal Palace face a key Premier League test at home to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. The Eagles, currently 18th in the table with only seven points from nine games, host a Reds side sitting fifth with 15 points. Their league record stands at two wins, one draw, and six losses, leaving them 17 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Manager Andoni Iraola has a significant injury list to manage ahead of the fixture. Key players Cheick Doucouré, Lerma, and Tomiyasu are all ruled out, while Quinten Timber is listed as questionable. They are joined on the sidelines by C. Doucoure, Z. Gozo, E. Guessand, C. Riad. This compounds the challenge of facing a Liverpool team that has won 37 of the 69 previous meetings between the sides. The last encounter ended in a 3-1 victory for the Merseyside club.
Iraola's injury update
Iraola confirmed that midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is Liverpool's primary fitness doubt. "The only doubt we will have is Ryan, the Ryan Gravenberch thing is a day-to-day thing, it’s a matter of pain," the Liverpool boss said. "Let’s see if he can deal with the pain and he can help us." Liverpool are expected to recall Milos Kerkez and Ronald Araujo to their full-back positions, with Alexander Isak leading the line after scoring in midweek.
Palace's form has been inconsistent, with a win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent form in the league is one win, two draws, and two losses. In the league, however, they have conceded 21 goals while scoring only nine, giving them a goal difference of minus 12, the second-worst defensive record in the division. They sit 17 points adrift of leaders Arsenal and are in desperate need of a positive result. Their recent league results include a 2-0 loss at Tottenham on Saturday 31 October, a 1-0 win at Fulham on Wednesday 28 October, a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Sunday 25 October, and a 5-0 loss at Brighton on Sunday 18 October.
The team's upcoming fixtures present a stern challenge, making a result against a top-six rival even more important. Palace's last starting lineup featured Dean Henderson in goal with a back three of Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards, and Honest Ahanor. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yéremy Pino will be relied upon to provide a threat against a Liverpool defence likely marshalled by Virgil van Dijk. The match at Selhurst Park kicks off at 14:00 on Sunday, 8 November.
