Crystal Palace head into their meeting with Liverpool under significant pressure, with the Eagles sitting 18th in the Premier League after losing their last three matches without scoring.
The challenge is made tougher by the absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is suspended following his red card in last week’s 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. Palace manager Pierre Sage said the club has confidence in its other attacking options, including Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah.
Sage stressed that Palace will need their forwards to contribute across the pitch, including pressing, competing and finishing their chances. He added that the squad has solutions available despite Mateta’s absence.
Liverpool arrive in south London looking to halt a sudden downturn in form. Their five-match unbeaten run ended with a 1-0 top-flight defeat against Arsenal, before they suffered a 3-2 loss away to Fenerbahce in the Champions League.
Liverpool twice held the lead in Turkey but surrendered it to lose their winning start in the competition. Iraola said the focus is now on reacting quickly and securing a victory against Palace before the international break.
