This weekend, the Eagles host defending champions Liverpool at Selhurst Park in a match up between the two only remaining unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season.
Ahead of the game, we had a chat Liverpool fan Kirsty about the season far, thoughts on the fixture, and much more….
TEB – Our sides meet again after the Community Shield in August, but this time in the Premier League. What were your thoughts about the aforementioned match at Wembley?
LFCK – I knew it would be a tough game and you guys would be well up for it, but I did think we’d get the better of you. When Ekitike got the opener I was thinking here we go, but you equalised so quickly and took the sting out of it. To be fair, the scenes with your fans at the end were great to see and that is what football is all about, you fully deserved the win and the resulting celebrations. I was just a bit miffed to have lost on the penalties, but it was an exciting open to the season!
TEB – It was a dream start to life in the Liverpool dugout last campaign for Arne Slot. How do you rate the season from a fan perspective?
LFCK – It was brilliant because I, like many others, had zero expectations last season. I wasn’t even considering top four to be honest, new manager and some niggling issues to sort but the fit was perfect. To have won the league ten points clear too! An amazing start for a guy trying to fill the boots of one of our greatest ever managers. The only slight annoyance for me was the Champions League – I love that competition and to win the new league phase then end up with PSG felt harsh. We were unfortunate not to get past them but I am hoping lessons have been learnt this year along with Slot’s perhaps underestimation of Plymouth in the FA Cup!
TEB – How was pre-season for the club?
LFCK – I was away quite a lot during pre-season to be honest so my recollection is mainly from match reports but I remember watching some highlights of Ngumoha thinking we’ve got something special on our hands here, even though it’s only pre-season, the lad was fearless!
TEB – From a neutral view, Liverpool’s transfer activity this summer was staggering. What’s the consensus of the window within the fanbase and is there an area still needing improvement?
LFCK – Can’t speak for everyone of course but I would say the consensus is that people are delighted. The Isak saga dragged on for quite a while but it just felt like we were going to get our man there, then with the likes of Wirtz, Frimpong, Kerkez etc you’d think we have nothing to complain about. The only thing that would have perfected that window is a central defender.
Obviously you guys know the Guehi drama that unfolded and I don’t know whether we’ll come back in for him, but Liverpool need somebody experienced in that position. Leoni could be one for the future but I am almost certain Konate doesn’t go the whole season without an injury and at that stage you start to look at your options in the side and it’s limited. Though who knows, we could probably just chuck Szoboszlai there!
TEB – Are there any wildcards at Liverpool that you feel will step up and make an impact this season?
LFCK – It sounds daft but I still think there’s something left in the Anfield folklore for Federico Chiesa, you know? His goal against Bournemouth ignited chaos in the stands with his chant being blared out and I just think having been left out of the squad for the first phase of the Champions League, he may make the cut for the next phase and have something to prove. I am manifesting him having an iconic moment under the floodlights at L4, I know it sounds crazy and I’m not even sure if he’ll still be here, but I’d love to see it!
TEB – Palace head into this fixture 17 games unbeaten. What are your thoughts on the Eagles and how do you feel we will fare this campaign?
LFCK – I think Palace are a solid side and always a team I don’t feel comfortable facing (perhaps due to some historic results that haven’t gone our way!). However I do feel you’ve lost a star player in the likes of Eze which may have an impact in big fixtures. I feel you’ve started well (though early days) and as you say, an amazing unbeaten run, but the result against Sunderland I wasn’t expecting and a couple of blanks on the scoresheet make me feel as though we might get the better of you. In terms of the rest of the season for you, I’m not sure how you’ll fare with balancing the European fixtures so that will be interesting. I’d say around 10th that sort of region, but feel you’ll do well in the Conference league.
TEB – Ambitions for the season?
LFCK – I would love to win the title again but Champions League is on my radar too. A Slot double would be amazing and I think after the transfer window we had, we have the squad to really go for it. To be in with any sort of chance though, we’ve got to start commanding games and avoid relying on these heart stopping last minute winners!
TEB – Is there a weak link in the Liverpool line up that Palace should be looking to exploit this weekend?
LFCK – A weak link is extremely harsh here but I feel Kerkez has had an up and down start to the season. Depending on the fixture, sometimes he’s looked great such as against Arsenal and other times he’s looked sloppy and potentially at risk of being sent off. I do trust this will all settle but if he starts and isn’t in the right mood, there could be a gap there. I wouldn’t be overly surprised to see Robertson start the match.
TEB – Expectations for the game including final score prediction?
LFCK – I expect it to be a tough one but I think we’ll get over the line, I’d say we’ll nick it 2-1, probably with a late winner…
