Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Lineups, Betting Odds, and Key Injuries for Carabao Cup Clash

Liverpool and Crystal Palace renew their rivalry in a high-stakes Carabao Cup clash at Anfield, with both sides aiming to rebound from recent Premier League disappointments. The Reds are expected to field a heavily rotated squad, potentially handing debuts to academy talents while managing key injuries ahead of a congested fixture list.

Palace arrive with psychological advantage after two victories over Liverpool this season, including a 2-1 league win in September. Betting markets anticipate an open game, with value odds on Crystal Palace continuing their unexpected dominance against the Merseyside giants.

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Lineups for Carabao Cup Clash

Liverpool are expected to make sweeping changes for their Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Crystal Palace, with manager Arne Slot likely to rotate his squad heavily. The Reds could hand debuts to academy prospects Bobby Clark and Kaide Gordon, while resting key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, may field a near full-strength side as they look to continue their impressive recent record against Liverpool.

Potential Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Gomez, Scanlon; McConnell, Gravenberch, Clark; Doak, Gakpo, Gordon.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Richards, Mitchell; Wharton, Hughes; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Mateta.

Rotation makes perfect sense for Liverpool given their fixture congestion, but this much inexperience against a Premier League side could backfire spectacularly.

Key Selection Decisions

The most intriguing selection calls revolve around Liverpool’s defensive setup. With first-choice center-backs likely rested, 20-year-old Jarell Quansah could partner Joe Gomez, while academy full-backs Conor Bradley and Luke Scanlon may get rare starts. Palace’s attack, likely featuring Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze, will test this makeshift backline severely.

Team News and Injury Updates

Liverpool’s injury crisis shows no signs of abating, with Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic still sidelined long-term. Diogo Jota picked up a knock in the Merseyside derby and joins suspended Wataru Endo on the unavailable list. Crystal Palace have been boosted by Chris Richards’ swift recovery from a minor knock, but Michael Olise remains doubtful with a hamstring issue.

Key absences:

• Liverpool: Thiago (hip), Bajcetic (groin), Endo (suspension), Jota (knock)
• Crystal Palace: Olise (hamstring), Lerma (international duty), Edouard (illness)

Richins’ availability is massive for Palace – his aerial dominance could exploit Liverpool’s inexperienced center-back pairing all night long.

Tactical Analysis: Where the Game Will Be Won

This Carabao Cup tie presents fascinating tactical contrasts. Liverpool’s young midfield trio will face their toughest test yet against Palace’s experienced duo of Will Hughes and Adam Wharton. The wide areas could prove decisive, with Palace’s wing-backs likely targeting Liverpool’s inexperienced full-backs. Set pieces may also play a crucial role given Liverpool’s defensive reshuffle.

Key Battles to Watch

• Midfield control: Liverpool’s youngsters vs Palace’s experienced duo
• Wing play: Palace’s attacking full-backs vs Liverpool’s debutants
• Aerial duels: Richards/Andersen vs Liverpool’s makeshift center-backs

Betting Odds and Predictions

Bookmakers are offering intriguing odds for this cup clash, with Liverpool’s heavy rotation balancing Palace’s poor away form. The value might lie in backing Palace with a handicap or taking the overs in what promises to be an open game between two attack-minded sides.

The smart money is on Palace +1 handicap at 2.10 – they’ve covered this in both meetings this season and Liverpool’s defense looks vulnerable.

Prop Bets Worth Considering

Beyond the standard markets, several prop bets stand out for this fixture. Eberechi Eze to score anytime at 3.50 appeals given Liverpool’s defensive changes, while a debut goal for Liverpool’s Bobby Clark at 6.00 could be a savvy long-shot punt.

Historical Context and Recent Meetings

Crystal Palace have surprisingly become something of a bogey team for Liverpool in recent seasons. The Eagles have won two of the last four meetings between the sides, including a 2-1 victory at Anfield earlier this season. This psychological edge could prove significant against a rotated Liverpool side.

Recent results:

• Sep 2025: Liverpool 1-2 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
• Apr 2025: Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool (Premier League)
• Feb 2025: Crystal Palace 0-0 Liverpool (FA Cup, Palace won on pens)

Prediction: Can Palace Complete Their Liverpool Treble?

While Anfield’s atmosphere will give Liverpool’s youngsters a boost, Palace’s superior experience and recent upper hand in this fixture suggests they could edge a high-scoring encounter. Liverpool’s defensive frailties may ultimately prove their undoing against a physical Palace side that knows how to hurt them.

Final score prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Crystal Palace

It’s bold to predict against Liverpool at home, but Palace’s form in this matchup and Liverpool’s team selection makes the away win great value at 3.75.

Factors That Could Change the Game

• Early Liverpool goal: Could settle young players’ nerves
• Palace’s set pieces: Major threat against makeshift defense
• Bench strength: Liverpool have more game-changers in reserve