Liverpool will be desperate to put their European disappointment behind them when they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
A 3-0 reverse at the hands of Atalanta in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday marked one of their worst displays under Jurgen Klopp.
The German tactician, who had made six changes to the side that were held by Manchester United, were rather flat and lacked their usual spark.
Regardless, Crystal Palace, who are just five points above the relegation zone in 14th spot, will be in no mood to show any mercy.
Oliver Glasner has struggled for results since taking over in February, and they were on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline against Manchester City in their last league outing.
That said, with Michael Olise returning to action from the bench, Glasner could unleash both Olise and Eberechi Eze for the first time since assuming the hotseat, which in turn, could increase Palace’s threat on the counter-attack.
Could Palace throw a spanner in the works for title-chasing Liverpool? I have divulged a couple of betting tips to accompany my preview.
Liverpool to avoid banana skin
The draw away to United last weekend provoked more questions than answers as Liverpool spurned the opportunity to go top of the table.
If we look at the bare facts, Liverpool’s profligacy in front of goal came to haunt them.
They piled on 15 shots in the first half, but they failed to make their dominance count. It has been a common theme over the past few weeks, and in terms of shooting stats, Liverpool have attempted the most shots this term (629), which is at least 70 more than any other side.
Indeed, they have averaged 20.3 shots per game, but perhaps more pertinently, they have won 27 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season.
While the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has netted four times in his past six league appearances, will look to expose the Reds’ high line, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League home games at Anfield against the Eagles (W11, D2).
Though this could be viewed as a potential banana skin, Liverpool should prevail. For my first pick, I’ve leaned into the winning margin, and the Merseysiders to win by two goals which is paying out at short odds of 11/4 with Paddy Power.
Mohamed Salah to score a screamer
As mentioned before, Liverpool’s shooting stats have made for disconcerting reading.
Even when you look at Mohamed Salah’s output, he has attempted 91 shots from 25 league games, and despite plundering 17 goals, his xG is down by 0.9 compared to last season.
Salah may not have hit the heights since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, but he can single-handedly change the course of matches.
Palace will have to pay careful attention to the Egyptian as his left foot is a wand.
However, Salah could well drift in and rifle a stunning shot from outside the area into the top corner.
For this special, William Hill has obliged with an inviting price of 10/1.
Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonuses
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