Liverpool - Crystal Palace predictions and free betting tips [14/04/2024]

On Sunday, 14 April, within the framework of the 33rd round of the Premier League, Liverpool will host Crystal Palace on their home field. Following the snag at Old Trafford, the hosts dropped the championship palm to Arsenal due to the difference in scored and missed goals, while the guests are 14th in the overall standings and have not known victories for five matches in a row.

Liverpool

Liverpool are in 2nd place in the Premier League, catching up with Arsenal in the title race. The Merseysiders have not been defeated in the national championship since they were beaten 3:1 at the Emirates in early February, completing eight rounds without a defeat (6 wins and 2 draws). After victories over Brighton (2:1) and Sheffield United (3:1), Jurgen Klopp's charges drew with Manchester United last weekend, despite dominating in the first half in every parameter (2:2). Luis Dias put the favourites ahead, but Bruno Fernandes and Kobi Mainu turned the course of the match around before Mohamed Salah restored parity on the scoreboard with a penalty six minutes from the end. However, the hosts suffered a real fiasco this week, losing heavily at Anfield in the quarterfinals of the Europa League against Atalanta from Bergamo for the first time this campaign (0:3).

It's important to note that Liverpool is the absolute best Premier League team at home: 42 points in 16 home games, 43 goals scored, 14 conceded. Main goalkeeper Alisson and right-back Alexander-Arnold returned to the squad after injury issues, which is not the case with Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Bayer. In addition, Portuguese winger Diogo Jota has recovered from injury. Mo Salah (17 goals and 9 assists) and Luis Dias (8 goals and 4 assists) both scored against Manchester United and are probably going to form a trio in the attack with Darwin Nunes (11 goals and 8 assists). Frenchman Konate may return to the starting lineup with van Dijk, replacing young Kwans, who made a gross mistake at Old Trafford.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are 14th in the Premier League, with one game in hand and a five-point gap from the relegation zone. The London club needs to maintain vigilance in the final stages to avoid a survival battle, especially given that the current dynamics aren't impressing fans. In the last 9 rounds, Olivier Glasner's charges have only beaten crisis-ridden Burnley (3:0), tied three times and lost 5 times. After drawing with Nottingham Forest (1:1), the Eagles lost to Bournemouth (1:0) and Manchester City last weekend (2:4). Having taken an early lead with a goal from Mateta, the Londoners failed to hold the advantage: Kevin De Bruyne got a brace, while Rico Lewis and Erling Holland scored one goal each.

It's worth noting that Palace are 14th overall for points earned on the road this campaign with just 14 in 16 meetings. The Eagles' squad still lacks Johnstone (goalkeeper), Richards and Guehi (defenders), Cheik Doucoure (midfielder), Holding (defender), and young midfielder Mateus Franca - all injured. Midfielder Raciakyi is on the brink of returning to the main group, but is unlikely to recover for this round. Last weekend, Mateta (7 goals and 4 assists) netted against City, as did Frenchman Edward (7 goals), boosting their chances of starting this time. Winger Olise (6 goals and 3 assists) returned last round and will also be orchestrating the tricolour attacks.

Head to Head

In the first round, Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 2:1, however, the previous two head-to-head meetings between the teams ended in a draw.

Prediction for Liverpool – Crystal Palace match

Liverpool are in the thick of the race for the championship title and simply cannot afford to stumble at home against a crisis-ridden middle-of-the-league team. In addition, the hosts are motivated to make amends to the fans for the Europa League fiasco last Thursday. Palace have basically lost all motivation and are simply playing out the season for their own pleasure – I forecast victory for the Reds with a handicap -1.5.