Liverpool team vs Crystal Palace predicted as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz decisions made

All eyes will be on Alexander Isak today, with Liverpool’s record signing looking set to make his first start for his new club at Crystal Palace today.

The Reds head to Selhurst Park later as they look to continue their winning start to the season, with Arne Slot’s side potentially having the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points before Tottenham and Arsenal’s games this weekend.

Palace though will pose a tough test, as Liverpool already knows too well. Oliver Glasner’s side is the only one to claim anything against the Reds so far this season, having won the Community Shield at Wembley on penalties last month, and the Eagles are the only other side to boast an unbeaten record this season.

This then will be a major examination of Liverpool’s title credentials, which makes Hugo Ekitike’s suspension all the more frustrating.

The striker misses out after his needless sending-off against Southampton on Tuesday, leaving Slot one less option up front, and giving him practically no other option but to start Isak.

Having to start a $169 million striker can hardly be described as a problem, although with his minutes still being managed carefully following his deadline day arrival, Slot will not want to leave him on the pitch longer than is necessary, so Isak will essentially be playing against the clock today as well as Palace.

The Swedish international may well be the only player to keep his place in the side from the win over the Saints, with Alisson Becker returning in goal, while Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will no doubt reclaim their places at the heart of the defense.

The full-backs leave a much trickier decision for Slot. Having played 90 minutes against Southampton, Jeremie Frimpong might be afforded a rest today, with Conor Bradley coming back into the side, while Milos Kerkez returns at left-back, although it is still a close-run race with Andy Robertson.

In midfield, there can be no doubt that Ryan Gravenberch returns, it’s just a question of who plays alongside him.

Given recent doubts over his fitness, the time might be right for Alexis Mac Allister to be given a rest, especially with a trip to Galatasary in the Champions League to contend with on Tuesday.

Therefore, both Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz start in our side, with the latter needing to find his form soon after an inauspicious start to his time with the Reds.

Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah return to their usual spots on the wing, with the latter no doubt given a bit more motivation this week after only finishing fourth in the Ballon d’Or, despite his sensational output last season.

Predicted Liverpool team vs Crystal Palace: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.