Liverpool quickly need to put this week’s 5-2 Champions League thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid out of their mind. But Crystal Palace will smell blood in the water and will spy this as an oportunity to claim a big scalp to help their own cause.

The Reds managed to climb to eighth in the Premier League standings after important back-to-back wins over Everton and Newcastle. But with their Champions League campaign in tatters, a top four finish is realistically the only way they will guarnatee a place in next season’s competition.

The last time Liverpool faced Palace the headlines were made when Darwin Nunez was sent off for headbutting Joachim Andersen only three games into his Reds career.

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Crystal Palace vs Liverpool H2H Results (Last Five Games)

Current Form (Last Five Games)

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Crystal Palace team news

Wilfried Zaha is a big miss for Palace against a vulnerable Liverpool. Tyrick Mitchell is expected to be available despite fitness concerns in the wake of facing Brentford last time out, which is good because the versatile Joel Ward is a doubt.

James Tomkins could be back in the squad after recently being personal leave.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Sambi Lokonga, Doucoure; Olise; Eze, Sclupp; Ayew.

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Liverpool team news

Joe Gomez had to come off injured against Real Madrid, which makes him a doubt for this one and could signal the return of Joel Matip alongside Virgil van Dijk – especially with Ibrahima Konate out.

Luis Diaz and Thiago won’t be back until March, but Arthur is nearing fitness.

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Bajcetic, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.

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What could save Liverpool from further immediate heartache is the fact that Palace don’t come into this in particularly good form. The Eagles still haven’t won a game in any competition so far this calendar year, with their last victory coming on New Year’s Eve against Bournemouth.

But Patrick Vieira still has a good group of talented players at his disposal. They have frustrated both Manchester United and Newcastle in their win-less run, as well often only losing by a single goal rather than getting turned over by the teams they face.

Liverpool will likely score, but their defensive collapse in midweek is a cause for condern. Palace obviously won’t blow them apart like Real Madrid, but is an opportunity nonetheless.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Liverpool

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