BPL Preview: Crystal Palace face Liverpool

Embed from Getty Images

By Jake Davies

  • Severely out of form Crystal Palace contest Liverpool
  • The Red Devils have won four games in succession and face West Brom

Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace whilst Manchester United are away at West Brom in their attempt to finish the season inside the top four.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool.

Crystal Palace haven’t won in their last 11 Premier League games. Their last win was as far back as mid-December in a 1-0 victory over Stoke. While Liverpool are unbeaten in three premier league encounters and will feel buoyed from their impressive 3-0 showing to avenge their loss to Manchester City just days prior. Despite Crystal Palace’s horrendous run of form in the Premier League, they have great reason to be optimistic ahead of this task. Alan Pardew’s misfiring men have won the last three matches in the league against Liverpool and also produced that heroic comeback in 2014, which saw Liverpool’s title hopes crushed by a 3-3 draw to Crystal Palace in May of that year.

Liverpool’s star man Daniel Sturridge is available to start in tomorrow’s encounter, after being rested in the Man City win during midweek. Jurgen Klopp’s Red’s are close to full strength for the first time in months, with Lucas Leiva becoming the only player completely ruled out on Sunday. When looking at Crystal Palace’s squad depth going into this match, the main concern is Connor Wickham. The English striker on a great run of form scoring four goals in his last two Crystal Palace games. Wickham is doubtful along with goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey ahead of the big match.

West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United

Manchester United stroll into the Hawthorns on Sunday enfilled with a sense of renewed confidence off the back of four successive wins in all competitions. Whether it be, Marcus Rashford showing no fear, the outstanding performances of David De Gea or the decreased burden on the injury list, there are a real positive signs for the first time in a long time at Manchester United.  The Red Devils narrowly escaped with a gritty 1-0 win against Watford in mid-week, but the drive to win when not playing at their optimum levels was tremendously good to see for Louis Van Gaal’s Men.

Many first team players are back in contention for tomorrow’s game. Matteo Darmian will be pushing for a start, despite Guillermo Varela’s extremely positive showings in a Manchester United shirt at right back. Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia could all feature at some point, with Valencia returning after long term bouts with injury.

Historically West Bromwich Albion haven’t played well at the Hawthorns against any Manchester United team. Their last league win at the Hawthorns against Manchester United was back in 1984. To add further insult to injury for West Brom, they’ve only previously kept one clean sheet in their 19 Premier League meetings with Manchester United. Although, it can be argued that this Manchester United side creates a lot less chances that previous teams before them.

West Brom’s summer signing Salomon Rondon will be West Brom’s biggest asset as he’s scored three in his last five league games.

Sunday’s fixtures

1.30pm- Crystal Palace v Liverpool

4.00pm West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United