Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Preview

• Liverpool to win
• Over 2.5 goals

A monumental occasion awaits at Anfield as Liverpool prepare to lift the Premier League trophy in front of their fans for the first time in 35 years. The Reds were crowned champions in 2019/20 but celebrated in a hauntingly empty stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions.

That makes this final-day fixture against Crystal Palace not just a game, but a long-awaited celebration of dominance, resilience, and revival under Arne Slot.

While results have dipped since Liverpool officially sealed the title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tottenham (D1, L2), few on Merseyside will be concerned. The job is already done. However, pride and the hunger for a triumphant send-off remain high. The home supporters will demand one last statement of intent, not only to properly mark a glorious season but also to lay down a marker as defending champions heading into 2024/25.

There’s already a buzz around what’s next for the Reds. Trent Alexander-Arnold, a key figure in this title-winning side, has confirmed his departure, and Liverpool have wasted no time securing a replacement. Reports suggest that Jeremie Frimpong has passed a medical ahead of a summer move, symbolising how Arne Slot and the Liverpool board are preparing to evolve a side that already boasts exceptional depth and cohesion.

If history is anything to go by, Liverpool are well-placed to sign off in style. They’ve won 15 of their last 17 final-day fixtures at home (D2), consistently delivering strong performances under pressure. That resilience has been on full display all season, as they come into this game with a Premier League record of scoring 2+ goals in 31 matches – more than any other team in a single campaign.

Palace Riding High After Historic Triumph

In what has been a fairy-tale ending to their own campaign, Crystal Palace arrive at Anfield basking in the glory of their first-ever major trophy. Their 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final last weekend etched their name into the history books. For manager Oliver Glasner, who only took the reins midway through the season, the turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.

Riding that wave of confidence, Palace backed up their cup success with a thrilling 4-2 midweek win over Wolves, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to seven games (W4, D3). That run has pushed the Eagles into a position where they could potentially secure back-to-back top-half finishes in the Premier League – a feat they’ve never achieved in their 11-year top-flight stay since returning in 2013.

However, Anfield remains a daunting destination. The Eagles have won just one of their last 15 league meetings with Liverpool (D2, L12), and even that victory came back in 2017 during a much different era for both clubs. Palace also have an abysmal record when closing out Premier League seasons on the road, managing just one win from 12 such occasions (D3, L8). Their last top-flight final-day away win came all the way back in 2005.

Key Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

The Egyptian King has been the face of Liverpool’s golden era, and he enters the final day needing just one more direct goal involvement to tie the Premier League record for most in a single season (47 – currently G28, A18).

With eight goals in 15 appearances against Palace, few would bet against him getting there.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

The Frenchman has been Palace’s most consistent attacking threat this season and tends to do his best work on the road.

Eight of his last 12 goals have come away from Selhurst Park, and with Liverpool likely to dominate possession, Mateta’s movement and finishing on the counter could be key.

Tactical Overview

Expect Liverpool to dominate the ball and push for an early lead, especially given their fast starts at Anfield this season. Palace may look to soak up pressure and hit on the counter, utilising their pacey wide players and Mateta’s physicality to create chances in transition. Both teams have plenty of attacking quality, and given the celebratory nature of the occasion, it could turn into a high-scoring affair.

Liverpool’s main focus will be to control the midfield and maintain intensity despite the lack of stakes. The likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister will be tasked with maintaining the tempo and unlocking a Palace defence that has improved under Glasner but remains vulnerable to overloads out wide.

Hot Stat

Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in 31 of their 37 Premier League matches this season – a competition record.

Prediction

With the Premier League trophy finally returning to Anfield in front of the fans, expect Liverpool to rise to the occasion. Palace have been in excellent form, but their poor record in this fixture and on final-day away trips makes this a tough ask. A goal-packed game could be in store, but the Reds should end their historic campaign with a victory.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace

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Liverpool v Crystal Palace, 2024/25 | Premier League