Liverpool walk into this EFL Cup clash not just chasing qualification — but redemption. Four Premier League defeats on the bounce have left Arne Slot searching for balance. Tonight’s test vs. Crystal Palace isn’t just about progress, it’s about proving this new-look Liverpool still has bite.


Form & Context

Arne Slot’s first few months have been a rollercoaster. Liverpool’s press remains intense, their buildup fluid — but their backline has looked fragile. No clean sheet in nine and a tendency to concede first has turned comfortable leads into frustration.


That said, the 5–1 rout of Eintracht Frankfurt in Europe reminded everyone how dangerous they are when it clicks. Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike are leading the attack with energy and creativity, while Szoboszlai continues to anchor the midfield tempo.


Palace, under Oliver Glasner, have proven stubborn and tactical. Though their form dipped recently (three losses in four), they’ve had Liverpool’s number — unbeaten at Anfield since 2021, with two wins in that stretch. Palace love being the underdog, and they’ve already shocked Liverpool twice this calendar year.



Key Players & Stats

Liverpool:

  • Federico Chiesa – the standout performer since joining, with 4 goals and 3 assists in 10 appearances. He averages 2.3 key passes and 1.9 successful dribbles per match — the creative and emotional engine of this team.

  • Hugo Ekitike – playing as Slot’s modern No.9, linking play well and contributing 3 goals in his last 5 starts. His aerial strength gives Liverpool another dimension when chasing games.

  • Dominik Szoboszlai – dynamic in midfield with 85% passing accuracy, 2 assists, and the highest ball recovery count (9.2 per game) among Liverpool midfielders.

Crystal Palace:

  • Yeremy Pino – the danger man. Three goals and an assist against top-six sides this season, thriving in transition.

  • Jean-Philippe Mateta – strong in duels and ruthless in the box (4 goals, 60% shot conversion).


Tactical Breakdown

Arne Slot’s Liverpool line up in a 4-2-3-1 that morphs into a 3-2-5 in possession. Chiesa cuts inside from the left to partner Ekitike, while Szoboszlai pushes high to overload central spaces. The challenge? Defensive transitions. Liverpool have conceded 60% of their goals from counters in their last eight games.


Palace will likely stay in their 4-2-3-1 mid-block, collapsing quickly to cut passing lanes before springing forward with Pino and Mateta. Glasner’s teams are physically disciplined — they don’t press high, but they force mistakes in buildup. Expect them to target Liverpool’s right flank, especially if Calvin Ramsay starts.


The midfield duel between Szoboszlai–Mac Allister vs. Lerma–Hughes could decide the flow of this match.




DrGambling Betting Angle

This fixture has quietly turned into a tricky one for bettors. The “under 2.5 goals” market has landed in four of the last five Anfield meetings. Palace +1.5 Asian handicap has hit four straight times.


Given Liverpool’s rotation and defensive uncertainty, our value leans toward:


  1. Under 2.5 goals @ 1.83

  2. Both Teams To Score: Yes @ 1.95

  3. Anytime Goalscorer: Chiesa @ 2.25 (form + role make him Liverpool’s best bet)

  4. For long-shot punters, Ekitike first goal scorer at 6.0 has merit — he’s scored Liverpool’s opener twice in the last month.

Prediction

Liverpool 1–1 Crystal Palace

Palace’s compact style and Liverpool’s fragile defending point to a tense stalemate. Expect Chiesa to shine, but Glasner’s men won’t go quietly.

If you’re betting — stay smart, stay sharp, and always play it with DrGamblingprecision.