January 17 2019

Julian Speroni

Crystal Palace face a tough test at Liverpool, but how do the battles on the field compare? Hunter Young gives the lowdown.

Palace suffered yet another disappointing result last week, allowing Watford to come back and win at Selhurst Park. The defeat kept the Eagles in 14th place and looking very far up the table to this weekend’s opponents, Liverpool, in first.

The Reds are currently in the midst of a serious title challenge, but will need to continue to get results to hold off Manchester City. Palace have been a bogey side for Liverpool in the past and played well in a 1-0 defeat at Selhurst early in the season.

Julian Speroni v Mohamed Salah

The current holder of the Premier League Golden Boot, Mohamed Salah, is in a tough competition to keep the award. The Egyptian is currently in a three-way tie with Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the top of the scoring charts. While Salah has primarily been a winger in the past, this season has often found him deployed at striker, only enhancing his goal-scoring threat.

A reported injury crisis at the goalkeeper position seems to have ruled out both Wayne Hennessey and Vicente Guaita out for the trip to Anfield. If the reports are true, then a first competitive appearance of the season is in line for Julian Speroni. The 39-year-old Palace legend has been only a squad player this season but will have a chance to prove he still has the magic by limiting Salah and a dynamic Liverpool attack.

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Wilfried Zaha v James Milner

Liverpool are in the midst of injury issues themselves with defenders Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold out this week, and after allowing Nathaniel Clyne to leave on loan to Bournemouth, are left without any experienced right-backs. This likely signals the deployment of the ever-versatile James Milner to the position. A centre-midfielder by trade, Milner is dedicated and smart player who will likely be capable in a different position.

If Milner was asked who he would like to face in his first game at right-back, Wilfried Zaha would not be at the top of his list. Zaha is currently in a very long goalless run and has cut a frustrated player in recent weeks. This weekend could be a prime opportunity for Zaha to rediscover some from against the skilled, but out-of-position James Milner.

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Christian Benteke v Virgil van Dijk

Since his arrival a year ago, Virgil van Dijk has helped transform Liverpool’s defence from a weakness into a real strength. The Reds have only conceded 10 goals this season, seven less than the next closest team. The hulking Dutchman has become a leader of the side and has played in every Premier League game for Liverpool this term.

Christian Benteke made his return from a knee injury last week after missing a few months, coming off the bench in the defeat to Watford. While a start may come too soon for Benteke, it would be no surprise to see the target man come off the bench in the second half. The big Belgian has the aerial ability to challenge van Dijk, which could be key if Palace must chase the game late on.

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