It is a novelty to have a Premier league fixture kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday, and that is exactly what Palace have this weekend.
The Eagles head to take on Liverpool at Anfield following a dour goalless draw at Selhurst Park on Monday evening.
It is clear that focus is on the Europa Conference League semi-finals against Shakhtar Donesk, with the first leg taking place next Thursday, as Oliver Glasner attempts to manage fatigue within the squad as well as churning out good performances.
With the Eagles pushing on towards what could end up being 60 games this campaign, the reward could be huge in what has been a whirlwind twelve months.
Heading into the trip to Anfield, the Austrian has confirmed that Adam Wharton returns to the squad after leaving the field in the first half in Florence and missing the draw with West Ham United.
There are no new injury concerns with both Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand continuing to miss out. There is a worry over Nathanial Clyne who has missed training due to illness but hopes to be available.
In terms of personnel, the future is bright for Palace with the young Eagles narrowly missing out on an appearance in the FA Youth Cup final with defeat in the semi finals to Manchester United, while the Under 18s lifted the Premier League Cup over United in midweek, the first time that Palace have won the competition.
The Eagles face Liverpool for the fourth time this season, and looking for a fourth win over the Merseyside giants. They sit in fifth place in the premier League and look to be in a battle for third with Manchester United and Aston Villa, while also wanting to distance themselves from sixth.
Eyes will of course be turning to Krakow on Thursday, but a fourth victory over Liverpool in the same season would be quite something, while there remains a chance for Palace to claim a European spot with a good run in to the end of the season.
🏟️ Match Preview
Competition: Premier League
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Kick-off: 3:00pm BST
Venue: Anfield
TV (UK): Not televised
🔴 Liverpool: What’s at stake
Liverpool come into this match 5th in the table, very much in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Back‑to‑back league wins over Fulham and Everton have steadied things, but performances remain inconsistent and pressure on Arne Slot hasn’t fully eased.
Anfield has largely remained a stronghold, but Palace are one of the few sides to have won there this season, including a 3–0 League Cup victory that still stings.
Key strengths
- Home attacking output remains high
- Mohamed Salah still the main threat
- Midfield control improving late in the season
Concerns
- Defensive lapses, especially in transition
- Palace have beaten Liverpool three times already this season
🦅 Crystal Palace: Form & focus
Crystal Palace arrive in excellent shape. Oliver Glasner’s side sit 13th, comfortably clear of danger, but still pushing for a top‑half finish. They’re also balancing this fixture with a Europa Conference League semi‑final, though recent performances suggest that hasn’t dulled their edge.
Palace are unbeaten in four league matches and have developed a reputation as Liverpool’s bogey team this season, winning against them in the league, League Cup and Community Shield fixtures.
Key threats
- Ismaila Sarr – prolific against Liverpool historically
- Quick counter‑attacks and wide overloads
- Physically strong back three system
🔑 Tactical Battle
- Liverpool will dominate possession and push their full‑backs high
- Palace are likely to sit compact and attack the space in behind
- Set‑pieces could be crucial at both ends
If Palace score first, the pressure inside Anfield could quickly shift their way.
👥 Predicted Line-ups
Liverpool (4‑2‑3‑1):
Alisson; Jones, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Crystal Palace (3‑4‑2‑1):
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Muñoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Strand Larsen
📊 Head‑to‑Head Snapshot
- Palace have won 3 of the last 5 meetings in all competitions
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Liverpool’s last 6 league games
- Palace are unbeaten in their last three visits to Anfield in league and cup
Officials
- Referee: Andy Madley
- Assistants: Simon Bennett, Craig Taylor
- Fourth official: Paul Tierney
- VAR: Neil Davies
- Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
🔮 Match Outlook
Liverpool should be favourites at home, but Palace have repeatedly shown they’re comfortable upsetting them. Expect Liverpool to control territory, while Palace look to be ruthless on the counter.
Likely pattern:
- Liverpool pressure → Palace breaks
- Goals at both ends
- Tight, nervy second half
Prediction: Liverpool 1–1 Crystal Palace
