The Daily Star Ireland
Selhurst Park is gearing up for a blockbuster Premier League clash as Crystal Palace welcome leaders Liverpool on September 27, 2025. With both sides carrying strong momentum into this game, fans can expect a tactical showdown rich in intensity and drama.
Crystal Palace’s defensive steel under Glasner
Oliver Glasner has transformed Palace into one of the league’s toughest teams to beat. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last 16 competitive matches, a run built on defensive discipline and resilience. Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, and Chris Richards form the core of a backline that has frustrated even the most attacking opponents.
While Palace have not been prolific in front of goal, Glasner’s system has been highly effective in nullifying threats. The return of Eddie Nketiah adds much-needed firepower, while Daichi Kamada has started to dictate midfield play with increasing authority. Palace’s compact shape and ability to hit on the counter could be their biggest weapon against Liverpool.
Liverpool’s perfect start under Slot
Arne Slot’s Liverpool arrive with a flawless Premier League record and a squad full of confidence. Their most recent win came in the Merseyside derby, a 2-1 victory over Everton, where Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike again impressed. Slot has rotated his squad in cup competitions, giving debuts to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and academy talents like Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, but the core players—Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Dominik Szoboszlai—remain central to their dominance.
Liverpool’s attacking patterns and pressing game have overwhelmed most opponents so far. However, they have shown a tendency to concede late goals, something Palace could exploit if they stay compact and strike on the break.
Team news and tactical outlook
Both sides have injury concerns. Palace will be without Ismaïla Sarr and Cheick Doucouré, while Liverpool’s Stefan Bajcetic remains sidelined with a hamstring problem. Glasner is likely to go with a midfield trio of Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, and Adam Wharton, offering control and grit. Liverpool may counter with Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones in midfield, supporting an attack led by Alexander Isak and Salah.
The game is shaping up to be a battle of contrasts: Palace’s structured defensive block and quick counters versus Liverpool’s expansive transitions and high-tempo pressing. Kamada and Yeremy Pino could be key in exploiting spaces left by Liverpool’s adventurous full-backs.
What to expect
Selhurst Park has become a tough venue for visiting sides, and Palace’s recent results—including a gritty win over Aston Villa and a draw with Sunderland—underline their ability to frustrate big teams. With Nketiah returning and Mateta offering an alternative up front, Palace will fancy their chances of breaching Liverpool’s defense.
Still, Liverpool’s form and attacking depth make them clear favorites. Their midfield trio and relentless pressing should eventually tilt the match in their favor, though Palace’s resilience suggests this won’t be a straightforward contest.
Prediction
Both teams are likely to score, but Liverpool’s quality in key moments should see them through.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1 – 3 Liverpool
