Crystal Palace host Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday at 14:00 GMT, with the fixture their final match before the international break. Palace are seeking their first league victory in four matches, but their late 2-2 draw with Hoffenheim on Thursday has given Liverpool plenty to consider.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was impressed by Palace’s ability to adapt to Pierre Sage’s methods. He believes there remains a clear continuity in the team’s structure despite the change in the dugout, with the players appearing comfortable in their roles.
Palace’s fightback against Hoffenheim, secured in the closing stages despite playing with 10 men, was also singled out as a warning. Iraola expects a demanding contest against a side he feels possesses considerable technical quality in midfield, including Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Yeremy Pino and Quinten Timber.
The Liverpool boss also pointed to the character of Selhurst Park. He described the ground as relatively compact, meaning throw-ins and long balls can quickly turn into pressure inside the penalty area. As a result, he believes both teams will need to be particularly effective in attacking and defending those box-based situations.
Liverpool arrive after a 3-2 defeat by Fenerbahçe in Istanbul on Wednesday. Iraola said Ryan Gravenberch is the visitors’ only fresh doubt, with his availability to be assessed on a day-to-day basis depending on the pain he is experiencing.
