Thirty Years On, Palace Out to Make Another Premier League Statement

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

Monday night football returns in the Premier League and, with it, last year’s runners-up at home to one of the most improved teams of the past 12 months.

Thirty years to the weekend since the advent of English football’s exciting new dawn, two of its founding members are preparing to deliver Premier League highlights.

In fact, this match comes on the 30^th anniversary of the very first day of the Premier League when Palace drew 3-3 with big-spending Blackburn Rovers (an occasion when Alan Shearer scored the first two of his record 260 goals).

They would no doubt settle for a repeat scoreline because, based on recent form and history, this is a home banker.

However, ever since putting 10-man Spurs to the sword last September, I have had to reconsider my view on the Eagles and how they can make life tough for the big boys on their day.

Talking Points

Patrick Vieira’s team actually started with a home defeat against Arsenal, a match which suggested they will miss Conor Gallagher – on loan from Chelsea last term – in midfield.

Yet if new signing, Mali international Cheick Doucouré, brought in from Lens to play in the holding role, can quickly become the heartbeat of Palace’s team their momentum may continue.

Of course, the goals and creativity of their talisman, Wilfried Zaha, will remain key, as will the burgeoning partnership between Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen at the other end.

There are rumours of a swap deal involving Gallagher and Zaha but if that was to happen it would be a bittersweet move many as the Ivory Coast international is a true fans favourite with some even believing he is the best player the club has ever had.

Come next May, if Palace can match, or better, last season’s 12th place, it will have been a productive campaign.

Liverpool know if they can go one better than last term they will end up in first spot and, in my view, they have a stronger squad (although not the best starting XI) than champions Manchester City.

That is even without midfielder Thiago who has been ruled out for around a month with a hamstring injury sustained in their opener last weekend at newly promoted Fulham.

That was a contest in which Liverpool were given a real scare, yet still showed their character and quality to earn a point.

It was also a contest in which new signing Darwin Núñez polished his case to start against Palace after making a big impact when coming off the bench.

Games like this should be home bankers for any championship challengers although, ironically, City lost at home to the Eagles last term – playing half of the match with 10 men.

Palace should be no pushovers.

History

Liverpool have a fine recent record against Palace, winning their last 10 meetings in succession including a league double last term.

They won the corresponding fixture at Anfield 3-0 when Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Naby Keita on target.

And it was a similar scoreline at Selhurst Park in January when the Merseysiders ran out 3-1 winners.

On that occasion, the outcome remained in the balance until a fortuitously awarded 89th minute penalty which Brazilian midfielder Fabinho converted.

Overall, Palace have won 14 of their meetings with the Merseysiders who, themselves, have 35 victories to their name. There have been a further 11 draws.

Palace last defeated Liverpool at Anfield five years ago when Christian Benteke came back to haunt his former team with a double in a 2-1 success – this after Philippe Coutinho had put the home side in front.

Betting Tip

It’s a home win all the way with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.

They back Liverpool 1X2 @ 1.21 and Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.09.

In complete contrast, Palace are priced 1X2 @ 13.50 – great odds if it comes off – and Asian Handicap +1.75 @ 2.13.

Even the draw is not considered likely given it’s on offer @ 6.00.

For a re-run of last season’s 3-0 home win, Correct Score will pay out @ 6.60.

If the Eagles can repeat their 2-1 win from five years ago, then a bumper payday awaits you @ 60.00.

It is hard to see past a home win in this one, unless Palace can be as disciplined as they were when holding champions City to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park in March.

Goals are expected and the betting options include over 3.25 goals @ 2.16, total goal 0-1 @ 4.90 and 4-6 @ 2.60.

 

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