Crystal Palace welcome Arne Slot’s Liverpool to Selhurst Park today, aiming for their first Premier League win of the 2024/25 season.
After a strong finish last season, Oliver Glasner was expected to lead Palace to a top-half finish, but the journey has been bumpy. In six games, Palace has secured three draws and three wins, most recently suffering a 2-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.
Palace’s only two wins this season have come in the Carabao Cup, with today’s match offering another chance to secure their first league win since May. However, Liverpool has only lost once, a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, and Palace will hope to replicate that success.
One player may need to be dropped to improve Palace’s chances after several underwhelming performances.
Why Nketiah could be dropped against Liverpool
Eddie Nketiah, signed from Arsenal for £30m, was expected to add firepower to Palace’s attack. Despite starting all three Premier League games, he has yet to score in the league, with his only goal coming in a Carabao Cup match.
Eddie Nketiah has scored his first goal for the Eagles this evening against QPR 🦅🚀
A hot favourite for Fantasy football managers this weekend? 👀#BBCFootball #CPFC pic.twitter.com/JdMnT47zsw
— BBC Sport London (@BBCLondonSport) September 17, 2024
His performance against Everton was underwhelming, with nine duels lost and three fouls before being substituted in the 73rd minute. Though Glasner trusts him, Nketiah might need to be benched to regain his form.
The man who could replace Nketiah
Ismaila Sarr, who joined Palace from Marseille for £12.5m, could be the one to step in.
Despite not starting in the league yet, Sarr has shown promise off the bench, including a standout performance against Manchester United.
The coolness.
The calmness.
The finish.ISMAÏLA. SARR. 🔥#GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/m634pQnl8W
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) March 21, 2020
With 16 goal contributions in 55 Premier League games from his Watford days, Sarr’s pace and dribbling could trouble Liverpool’s defense. He famously ended Liverpool’s 18-game winning streak in 2020 and could once again be the key to Palace’s success today.
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