Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace enter the new season riding high after a historic 2024/25 campaign, which saw them lift the FA Cup — their first major honour in the modern era. Under Oliver Glasner, they’ve developed a reputation for disciplined pressing, rapid transitions, and a steely mentality in the big moments.
Despite ongoing transfer speculation around several players, the Eagles have held on to their key assets heading into this match. With their core group still intact, that stability could give them an edge against a Liverpool side still searching for rhythm amid a wave of summer arrivals.
Team News: Glasner could hand debuts to new signings Borna Sosa and Walter Benitez. Marc Guehi has been linked with a move away from the club but we expect him to start.
Predicted Lineup: Benitez; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Sosa; Lerma, Hughes; Olise, Eze, Sarr; Mateta.
Liverpool
Liverpool have arguably been the busiest club in Europe this summer. The signings of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike suggest Arne Slot feels far from complacent after delivering the Premier League trophy in his debut season at Anfield. Football betting sites, therefore, are putting them down as the favourites to win the league once again.
The Reds didn’t sign off the season with fireworks, which might have been somewhat expected after they secured the title with four matches to spare. Their final outing of the campaign saw them share the spoils with Crystal Palace in a 1-1 draw — a result that did little to alter the bigger picture.
Team News: Slot is expected to introduce his new fullback duo Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong in the match. With Darwin Nunez leaving, Cody Gakpo is expected to lead the line, with new signing Hugo Ekitike playing a wider role.
Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konate, Frimpong; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
