Crystal Palace welcome Liverpool to Selhurst Park on Sunday under pressure after a damaging run of results. The Eagles have lost their past three matches without scoring, conceding nine goals in the process, and now sit in the Premier League's bottom three.
Their latest setback against Tottenham was shaped by Jean-Philippe Mateta's early dismissal, which left Palace facing an almost constant defensive siege. They managed only two attempts and two touches in Tottenham's penalty area, while recording 21% possession. Tottenham had 34 shots, 67 touches in the box and an expected-goals figure of 3.26, compared with Palace's 0.14.
Palace's wider numbers make for difficult reading. During 2026, they have suffered more defeats than any other ever-present top-flight side, with 15, while their 52 goals conceded is also the league's highest figure. Their six victories and 29 goals scored are joint-lowest among that group. They have also faced 79 more shots than they have taken this season, the biggest negative differential in the division.
Set-piece defending and aerial situations will be another concern. Palace have conceded six headed goals this season, twice the total of any other Premier League team. Two of those came against Tottenham, adding to the problems facing Pierre Sage as he seeks a response from his players.
There is at least some encouragement in the recent head-to-head record. After losing 10 consecutive top-flight meetings with Liverpool, Palace have been beaten only three times in their last eight encounters. One of their four fixtures against the Reds last season also brought Palace a first home league victory over Liverpool since 2014.
Liverpool arrive after consecutive defeats, but their away form provides a major warning. They have collected 10 points on the road, a total bettered only by Arsenal, and 67% of their points have come away from home. Palace will therefore need a far more resilient performance if they are to take advantage of Liverpool's recent dip and climb away from danger.
