Liverpool return to Anfield this week as they face Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup Round of 16. The Reds began their title defense with a 2-1 victory over Southampton and will look to maintain momentum on home turf. However, recent league results — three straight defeats to Crystal Palace (2-1), Chelsea (2-1), and Manchester United (2-1) — have exposed defensive issues that Jürgen Klopp must urgently address. Palace, meanwhile, enter this fixture on the back of a mixed Premier League run but carry the experience of last season’s FA Cup triumph, making them a potentially tricky opponent.
Match Preview
Liverpool are still strong favorites but have shown vulnerability in recent weeks. The reigning English champions sit near the top of the Premier League but can’t afford another slip after a run of three league losses and a humbling 5-1 Champions League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. Klopp will likely rotate his squad but maintain a strong core, aiming to restore confidence ahead of another tight domestic schedule.
Crystal Palace have enjoyed a steady start to their League Cup journey, having edged past Millwall on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the previous round. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have displayed tactical flexibility and resilience, earning a 3-3 draw against Bournemouth before facing league leaders Arsenal at the weekend. They sit just two points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table, emphasizing their growing consistency and attacking balance.
Team Form & Recent Results
Liverpool (Last 5 Matches): W–L–L–L–W
- Won their opening EFL Cup match vs Southampton (2-1).
- Conceded 11 goals in their last five games in all competitions.
- Still unbeaten in 15 of their last 17 home fixtures.
Crystal Palace (Last 5 Matches): D–W–L–D–W
- Scored in 8 consecutive matches in all competitions.
- Only one defeat in their last six outings.
- Away form improving with two wins in their last four on the road.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Meetings (All Competitions): 66
- Liverpool Wins: 42
- Crystal Palace Wins: 13
- Draws: 11
- Last Meeting: Liverpool 2–1 Crystal Palace (Premier League, August 2025)
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning seven of the last eight meetings. However, Palace’s lone victory during that run came in a shock 1-0 win at Anfield last season, a result that ended the Reds’ 28-match home unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Liverpool Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Jones, Endo, Szoboszlai; Chiesa, Isak, Gakpo.
Injuries: Alisson (thigh), Gravenberch (knee), Frimpong (ankle), Leoni (muscle).
Crystal Palace Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma; Pino, Eze, Esse; Mateta.
Injuries: Riad (thigh), Kporha (ankle), Doucouré (muscle).
Doubts: Sarr (fatigue), Veltman (knock).
Key Players:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Continues to deliver with 6 goals and 4 assists this season.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): The midfield engine; his passing and pressing define Klopp’s system.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): In excellent form with 5 Premier League goals.
- Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): The creative hub who dictates tempo and final-third transitions.
Tactical Analysis & Key Battles
Expect Liverpool to dominate possession, pushing full-backs high and using diagonal switches to stretch Palace’s compact structure. Without Alisson, the Reds may focus on minimizing risky build-up play from the back. Isak’s mobility and Chiesa’s cutting runs could challenge Palace’s defense, particularly in transition.
Crystal Palace will likely defend in a low-to-mid block, aiming to hit Liverpool on the counter through Eze and Pino. Their pressing triggers often start with Mateta, who has been effective at disrupting opposition buildup. Palace’s main weakness remains their defensive shape under sustained pressure — they’ve conceded 8 goals in their last five away fixtures.
The midfield battle between Szoboszlai and Lerma could dictate tempo, while set pieces might play a decisive role given both sides’ aerial strengths.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Liverpool to Win | 1.45 |
| Draw | 4.60 |
| Crystal Palace to Win | 7.20 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.70 |
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | 1.90 |
Top Betting Picks:
- Best Bet: Liverpool to Win & Over 2.5 Goals – the Reds rarely fail to score multiple times at home.
- Alternative Value: Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Liverpool’s defense has looked shaky lately.
- High-Risk Pick: Correct Score 3–1 Liverpool – aligns with historical patterns at Anfield.
Featured Snippet Quick Facts:
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Competition: EFL Cup 2025
- Kickoff: Wednesday, October 29, 20:45 GMT / 21:45 CET / 15:45 ET
- Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), ESPN+ (US), DAZN (Europe).
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
- Live Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event (UK), ESPN+ (US), SuperSport Premier League (Africa).
- Streaming: NOW TV, DAZN, Paramount+.
- Kickoff: 20:45 GMT / 21:45 CET / 15:45 ET.
Prediction: Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, EFL Cup 2025
Liverpool’s home dominance and attacking depth make them clear favorites, but Crystal Palace’s confidence and counter-attacking potential could ensure a competitive contest. Expect the Reds to control proceedings and seal victory with late precision.
Final Prediction: Liverpool 3–1 Crystal Palace
Best Bet: Liverpool to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Liverpool’s firepower and Anfield atmosphere should prove too much for Palace, sending the Reds into the next round with a statement win.
