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Liverpool are set to meet Crystal Palace for the third time this season as the two sides face off at Anfield in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The match kicks off at 7:45pm GMT and promises to be another fascinating contest between two teams that have already developed a competitive edge this campaign.
The Reds will be hoping to bounce back from their recent Premier League defeat at Brentford and keep their hopes alive in the domestic cup. For Arne Slot, this fixture offers a chance not only to progress in the competition but also to rotate his squad and give minutes to some of the players who have been waiting for their opportunity.
Familiar Foes: The Third Meeting of the Season
This will be the third encounter between Liverpool and Crystal Palace in 2024–25. The previous two meetings have both been closely fought. Palace came out on top in the Premier League meeting at Selhurst Park, snatching a late winner after Liverpool had battled back to equalise. The Reds also faced the Eagles in the FA Community Shield earlier in the season, meaning both sides are already very familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Arne Slot acknowledged in his pre-match notes that Palace are a resilient opponent.
He said:
“We’ve already faced Palace in the Premier League this season and the result on that occasion was not what we would have hoped for. Credit to Palace for that. Their winning goal came very late after we had equalised following a difficult first half, so we should be aware of their ability to keep going until the final whistle.”
That awareness could play a key role as Liverpool look to correct their mistakes and deliver a more complete performance this time around.
Injury Concerns and Availability
Liverpool go into the tie with several injury concerns. Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni have all been ruled out due to recent injuries. Their absence means Arne Slot will once again need to reshuffle his lineup, especially in defence and goal.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak missed the defeat at Brentford as they continued to recover from fitness issues, while Curtis Jones was forced off in the second half of that same game.
Slot offered an update on Jones, saying:
“He asked to be taken off but he walked off instead of needing a lot of treatment, so I have to wait and see.”
That cautious optimism suggests Jones could be available, but the coaching staff will make a late decision based on his recovery. There’s a bit of good news, though. Hugo Ekitike, who was suspended after receiving a red card in the previous round against Southampton, has now served his one-match ban and is eligible to play. His return will be a welcome boost for Slot as Liverpool look to freshen up their attack.
Freddie Woodman Set for Liverpool Debut
One of the most talked-about storylines ahead of this match is the potential debut of goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. With Alisson out injured and Giorgi Mamardashvili likely to be rested, Woodman could finally get his first competitive appearance for the club.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Woodman shared what the occasion would mean to him:
“When I signed for this club, if I could have just got one game that was the dream and ambition. Hopefully Wednesday night I can make that happen. But also getting a result and getting through to the next round, that’s the importance of the game and of the competition.”
For the 27-year-old, this match represents more than a cup tie. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and patience. Slot has shown faith in rotating goalkeepers during the Carabao Cup, and Woodman’s chance could be just around the corner.
Liverpool’s Predicted Line-Up
Given the busy fixture schedule and the number of injuries, Slot is expected to rotate his team. Mamardashvili, Van Dijk, and Salah could all be rested, with several squad players likely to feature.
Possible starting XI:
Woodman; Bradley, Konate, Kerkez; Van Dijk Szoboszlai, Gravenberch (if fit), Isak; Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah.
This potential lineup blends experience and youth, giving Slot the flexibility to manage minutes while keeping the team competitive. The Carabao Cup has traditionally been a proving ground for Liverpool’s emerging talents, and this match should be no different.
Palace’s Plans and Selection News
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has also made some early announcements about his team. He confirmed that goalkeeper Walter Benitez and young defender Jaydee Canvot will both start at Anfield.
Glasner praised the pair in his pre-match comments, saying:
“It’s not a gift they deserve it. [Canvot is] doing well in training. We trust him, and that’s why he will start tomorrow in the back three. Walter is the same. He’s doing so well in training, and he deserves to get some minutes as well.”
Palace will be without Chris Richards, who picked up a calf injury, but otherwise the visitors have a healthy squad. They came through their 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday without further issues, and Glasner is confident his team can cause problems for Liverpool.
“The players showed at the Emirates that they are fit and they could try to get the equaliser until the final whistle, so it looks positive,” Glasner said.
Form Guide: How the Teams Arrive
Liverpool’s most recent outing ended in a 3-2 defeat at Brentford. It was a frustrating night where the Reds fought hard but were undone by defensive lapses and missed chances. The lineup that day included Mamardashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, and Ekitike. Despite the loss, Liverpool created plenty of opportunities, which suggests the team’s attacking rhythm remains strong. Slot will want his players to sharpen up at the back while maintaining the high intensity that defines their play.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, narrowly lost 1-0 away to Arsenal. They defended bravely and had moments where they looked capable of stealing a point. Their lineup that day featured Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell, Sarr, Pino, and Mateta. Palace’s disciplined structure under Glasner has made them a tough side to break down, and their pace on the counterattack could trouble Liverpool if the hosts leave space behind.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Gakpo vs Guehi:
Cody Gakpo’s movement and physicality could test Palace captain Marc Guehi. If Gakpo can find space between the lines, he’ll create chances for Liverpool’s front line.
2. Szoboszlai in midfield:
The Hungarian’s energy and creativity will be vital in breaking through Palace’s compact shape. His delivery from set-pieces might also prove decisive.
3. Palace’s pace on the break:
Players like Yeremy Pino and Odsonne Edouard (if used) can stretch Liverpool’s defense. The Reds must stay switched on during transitions to avoid conceding another late goal.
What’s at Stake
For Liverpool, this tie is about momentum. The Carabao Cup has long been a competition where young players make their mark, but winning it also builds belief for the rest of the season. After the recent setbacks in the league, a victory here could help restore confidence ahead of a busy November schedule.
For Crystal Palace, a win at Anfield would be a statement. Glasner’s side has been improving steadily, and a place in the quarter-finals would underline their growing ambitions.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace is more than just another midweek fixture. It’s a test of depth, resilience, and focus. With several key players missing, Arne Slot will rely on his squad’s adaptability and hunger to deliver a performance worthy of Anfield.
For Freddie Woodman, it could be a dream debut. For youngsters like Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez, it’s another opportunity to prove their worth. And for the team as a whole, it’s a chance to remind supporters that Liverpool remain serious about every competition they enter. As both sides prepare to battle it out under the lights, one thing is certain Anfield is set for another captivating night of cup football.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com