Liverpool make the trip to Selhurst Park on September 27, looking to extend their unbeaten start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arne Slot has been clear in recent weeks that rotation is necessary with the fixtures piling up, but this is not the kind of game where Liverpool can afford to take chances. Southampton in the cup was one thing, but Crystal Palace away in the league demands respect. Last Word on Football brings you our Liverpool predicted lineup.
Slot has built his Liverpool around a 4-3-3 base system. The wingers stretch wide, the midfield presses in tight triangles, and the full-backs balance attacking ambition with defensive cover. At times the shape can tilt into a 4-2-3-1, particularly when Liverpool need more composure in possession or when the press is broken. The system has worked, but it hasn’t always been convincing. Liverpool have been guilty of switching off after taking control of games, a habit Slot has admitted he is desperate to stamp out.
Liverpool’s record on paper looks strong, but the performances tell a more complicated story. Twice already this season they’ve gone two goals up only to let teams back into the match, relying on late interventions to get across the line. In Europe they’ve had flashes of brilliance, but again they have looked vulnerable once the opposition gain a foothold. Mohamed Salah remains the constant source of goals and assists, even when Liverpool are uneven.
The biggest blow this week was confirmation that Giovanni Leoni has suffered an ACL injury and faces a long spell on the sidelines. That takes away one of Slot’s rotation options in central defence. Hugo Ekitike is suspended following his red card in midweek, which opens the door for Alexander Isak to start. Slot has been cautious about the striker’s minutes but acknowledged that this is the type of fixture where his presence is needed.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Wirtz; Salah, Isak, Gakpo.
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