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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jack Rosser

Crystal Palace XI vs Liverpool: Predicted lineup, team news and Roy Hodgson's latest injury list

Roy Hodgson confirmed on Friday that Crystal Palace have a full-strength squad to choose from against Liverpool.

Palace are so nearly through their horror run of games, described this month by captain Luka Milivojevic as a "mini-Champions League".

The Eagles host runaway League leaders Liverpool this weekend to round off a run of games which included facing four of the traditional big six and gatecrashers Leicester.

Hodgson's side have taken just one point from the run until now, though a bright start to the Premier League campaign means it has only put a small dent in their season.

It is an encounter which should favour Palace's counter-attacking style of play but while Hodgson's side are fond of a scalp or two, an upset here would be one of their finest.

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Their chances of achieving such a feat were boosted on Friday by the news regarding a clean bill of health among the playing squad.

Wilfried Zaha has shaken off a foot injury that prevented him from featuring for the Ivory Coast, while right-back Joel Ward is available after a groin issue that forced him off against Chelsea.

Ex-Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is also fit to face his former club.

"We have a full squad to choose from which is incredible. I’m really pleased about that," Hodgson said, before adding: "[Mamadou] Sakho is fit. The whole of the contingent is fit."

Praising Palace's medical team, he said: "Our sport science and medical department deserve a pat on the back. At this late stage to have all players available is fantastic."

Inflicting a first defeat on Liverpool this season would be quite something, though perhaps more importantly is the run of games against those around and below Palace which follow.

image

Crystal Palace (4-5-1): Guaita; Ward, Cahill, Sakho, Van Aanholt; Milivojevic, McArthur, Kouyate, Zaha, Townsend; Ayew​

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