"Usually, meetings between Crystal Palace and Liverpool have rarely carried the same weight as some of the Premier League's marquee fixtures; yet Saturday's clash between these clubs feels different for several reasons. The Community Shield may fade from memory once the league season kicks into gear, but Liverpool will be eager to correct that August loss to Palace-a setback that added to a frustrating run at Wembley in recent months."
"Liverpool's record signing is poised to be a central figure in the weekend's matchup. Already a strong candidate to start after gaining valuable minutes and match fitness against Atlético Madrid, Everton, and Southampton, the Swede is now virtually guaranteed to be in the Starting XI at Selhurst Park. This is because Hugo Ekitike will be unavailable, serving a suspension after his reckless red card in the Reds' midweek Carabao Cup win over the Saints."
"Fate has also paired the two sides in the next round of the Carabao Cup, ensuring even more head-to-head battles with the reigning FA Cup winners. Then there's the added layer of tension from the collapsed transfer saga involving Palace defender Marc Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool before the transfer deadline-adding another edge to the contest. And, perhaps most intriguingly, Palace and Liverpool stand as the Premier League's last two unbeaten sides,"
Saturday's match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool arrives with elevated stakes from multiple angles. Liverpool seek to avenge the Community Shield defeat and recent Wembley frustrations while also preparing for an upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Palace. A collapsed transfer involving Palace defender Marc Guehi adds a personal edge to the fixture. Both clubs enter the weekend as the Premier League's remaining unbeaten teams, creating the prospect that one will surrender that status. Alexander Isak, Liverpool's record signing, has gained minutes against Atlético Madrid, Everton and Southampton and looks set to start with Hugo Ekitike suspended.
Read at Rush The Kop
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