Liverpool head into this one in 5th on 55 points, still with plenty to play for in the race for the European places. The recent run has not been perfect, but back-to-back league wins over Fulham and Everton have at least steadied things after a patchier spell.

Palace are 13th on 43 points and look like a side with less pressure on them, but that can make them dangerous. Their recent form has been mixed rather than spectacular, though they have stayed competitive and their defensive numbers are solid enough for a mid-table team.

What makes this game more intriguing than it might first appear is the recent head-to-head record. Palace have won two of the last three against Liverpool and also held them to a draw at Anfield last May. That includes a 3-0 EFL Cup win at Anfield earlier this season, which will definitely be in the back of Liverpool minds.

Even so, Liverpool remain deserved favourites. They score more, dominate the ball far more often, generate a higher shot count, and play with the urgency of a side that still needs results. Palace can frustrate, but Liverpool should still create enough chances to come out on top if they are anywhere near their normal level at home.

Recent meetings have been far more awkward for Liverpool than many people would expect. Palace won 3-0 at Anfield in the EFL Cup this season, won 2-1 in the league at Selhurst Park, and drew 1-1 at Anfield in May 2025.

Liverpool did win 1-0 away in October 2024, but the broader takeaway is clear enough. Palace have shown they know how to make this uncomfortable, especially by keeping games tight and then taking their moments when they come.

1) Liverpool should dominate the ball with their usual 58-60% possession profile, which means Palace will likely spend long stretches defending in shape and waiting for transitions.

2) The hosts also carry the bigger shot volume at 15.0+ per game, compared to Palace at around 12.5. That should translate into more pressure and more repeat attacks.

3) Palace are not a wild open side. Their average total goals sits around 2.22, which suggests they are generally more controlled than chaotic, and that helps the under 3.5 angle.

4) Liverpool’s own defensive record is decent rather than dominant. Conceding 1.30 per game leaves the door open for Palace if they are clinical with the limited chances they get.

Liverpool’s recent back-to-back wins over Fulham and Everton have improved the mood, and that matters. Earlier results had been a bit more mixed, but the last two league outings suggest they are finding a bit of rhythm again at a useful time.

Palace have been relatively steady rather than spectacular. The recent form line shows a team that stays in matches and does not fold easily, which is why they still feel capable of making this competitive for long stretches.

Liverpool at home: Anfield still gives them a strong platform, especially when they get on top early and start building momentum through territory and volume of attacks.

Crystal Palace away: Palace are organised enough to frustrate better sides, and recent results in this fixture say they will not arrive scared. Still, the away job becomes a lot harder if Liverpool score first.

Palace have earned respect in this match-up and they have shown more than once that they can spoil Liverpool’s day. But Liverpool’s stronger attacking numbers, home advantage and need for points still make them the right side to back. Expect a tighter game than some might assume, with Palace competitive but Liverpool edging it.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace