Liverpool will look to confirm themselves as the early Premier League pacesetters when they visit Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Monday evening.
Last year’s Champions League finalists were big spenders once again in the transfer market and are consequently the favourite to challenge Manchester City for the title this season.
Their attack picked up where they left off from last season after a 4-0 hammering of West Ham at Anfield in their first game.
Crystal Palace meanwhile came away from a stiff first assignment with a 2-0 victory at Roy Hodgson’s former club Fulham.
The 71-year-old will be looking to overcome another one of his former clubs on Monday and will hope Wilfried Zaha, who signed a new contract with the club this week, continues his impressive start to the season.
What time does it start?
Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool kicks off at 8PM (BST)
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Premier League and Main Event channels. Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the game online via the SkyGo app.
It’s a big game for…
Benteke: The Belgian striker faces his former club on Monday but would have hoped to have been in better form coming into it. He scored just three times in 30 league appearances last season, and although he made his presence known to the Fulham defenders last weekend he will need to pose more of a goal threat and maintain his hold-up play if Palace are to contain Liverpool’s forward line.
Stat...
23: Currently level with Chris Armstrong on 23 goals, Wilfried Zaha needs one more goal to become Palace’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer
Remember when…
Dwight Gayle’s equaliser against Liverpool in May 2014 dealt what turned out to be a deadly blow to Liverpool’s title challenge that season. Leading 3-0 with just 15 minutes remaining, Liverpool believed they had done enough to keep up the pressure on Manchester City on points and goal difference. However, three goals in 11 minutes from Palace, including two from Dwight Gayle saw the Reds move just a point in front of City. The impact of the stalemate was compounded by City’s victory against Aston Villa two days later.
Player to watch…
Wayne Hennessey: The Welshman was in outstanding form against Fulham last weekend, making a total of six games to ensure the Cottagers’ return to the Premier League ended in defeat. With summer signing Vicente Guaita waiting in the wings only consistent performances will suffice, and with Liverpool’s attacking prowess in store on Monday night, the former Wolves keeper will be key if Palace are to get a result.
Past three-meetings…
Crystal Palace 1 (Milivojević pen) Liverpool 2 (Mané, Salah), Premier League, March 2018
Liverpool 1 (Mané) Crystal Palace 0, Premier League, August 2017
Liverpool 1 (Coutinho) Crystal Palace 2 (Benteke x2), Premier League, April 2017
Form guide…
Crystal Palace: W
Liverpool: W
Odds…
Crystal Palace to win: 23/4
Liverpool to win: 4/9
Draw: 19/5
