Coming into this match on the back of an impressive win against Tottenham Hotspurs, bar will be raised for Brendan Rodgers’ men to perform. Sitting just 4 points adrift of the Champions League spot in the Premier League, FA Cup is the best chance for Brendan Rodgers to win his first trophy as a Liverpool manager.
Talking about Crystal Palace and although Alan Pardew was stunned by his former team Newcastle in the mid-week, there is a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the Selhurst Park since his arrival. And looking at the form Crystal Palace holds against Liverpool in the recent seasons at home, an FA Cup giant-killing is on the cards this Saturday.
Team news
Liverpool
Although Liverpool fans were handed a lifeline this week when Mario Balotelli break his duck in grand fashion, the injury suffered by the outgoing Steven Gerrard has left a bitter taste. Getting his 9th goal of the season against Spurs on Tuesday, an FA Cup triumph would be a fitting tribute to the legendary figure.
Getting back to the commoners and although Raheem Sterling is still bitching about his contractual terms with Liverpool, the Englishman might solidify his case of a grand pay-rise with his performance against the Eagles. Although he missed the top of the table clash in the mid-week, the winger-turned striker faces a late fitness test before this match.
In terms of permanent absentees, Lucas Leiva would be a big miss for the Reds. Having suffered an injury in their last FA Cup match against Bolton, the Brazilian is reportedly out for long term.
Crystal Palace
Talking about Crystal Palace and although the Eagles are well ahead of the relegation battle, an extended run in the FA Cup would be tasty for Crystal Palace.
On the injury front, Crystal Palace are the 2nd most scathed team in the Premier League this season. Having seen 7 of their players’ sidelined coming into this fixture, Alan Pardew has done really well to niggle out the relegation talks from the dressing room.
Out of the 7 players that are sidelined from this fixture, only 2 have a chance to make an impact on this match. One of them, Joe Ledley, was influential last time out when Liverpool visited Palace.
With his stunning strike from 30 yards out in November, the defensive midfielder piled misery on Liverpool as they left Selhurst Park bruised with a 3-1 defeat.
Being on loan from Arsenal and yet to make a decisive impact on Crystal Palace is the Frenchman Yaya Sanogo. In 4 appearances that he has made for the midtable side this season, Sanogo is yet to find the back of the net. He can feature in this match subjecting to a late fitness test.
Stats
• Last time Alan Pardew met a Liverpool side in a FA Cup was in 2005/06 season. Liverpool defeated Newcastle to grab the trophy.
• In their last 2 visits to Selhurst Park, Liverpool have conceded 6 – scoring 4 goals in the process.
• These two sides have met each other 7 times in the FA Cup. Liverpool and Crystal Palace share 2 victories each.
• Although these two sides have met scarcely over the years, last Liverpool victory at Selhurst Park dates way back to 1997.
Crystal Palace Vs Liverpool will take place on 14th February, at 18:30 GMT. [LiveScore]
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Preview, Team news and Stats from the FA Cup
No comments:
Post a Comment