Jota & Trent back? Liverpool lineup vs Crystal Palace predicted

Liverpool take on Crystal Palace this weekend hoping to reclaim top spot in the Premier League title race.

The Reds will go back top with a win, at least very briefly, with Arsenal not playing against Aston Villa until the later kick-off on Sunday.

The chance to go first and put pressure on the Gunners is an advantage for Jurgen Klopp's side, while a home tie against Palace represents a game they really should win.

Oliver Glasner's side have been in poor form of late, winning just two out of their last ten in the Premier League.

The Eagles have not won on the road since beating Burnley back in November and have the joint-fourth worst goal difference away from home (-15).

Still, with the Atalanta second leg on the horizon and a run of tricky away games to follow, Liverpool know by now that know challenge can be taken lightly at this stage of the season.

Rather than trying to boost their own goal difference here, the main objective for the Reds is simply: win by any means necessary.

Here's how Klopp could line up his side to face Crystal Palace this Sunday.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson is now back in training and Klopp will soon have a decision to make about which keeper to start and when.

Caoimhin Kelleher has been nothing short of superb in Alisson's absence and has even now overtaken the Brazilian for number of appearances this season. Alisson is, however, the best in the world and will reclaim his place at some point. It may not be Sunday, but he can now be expected back sooner rather than later.

Conor Bradley's equally superb spell at right means the returning Trent Alexander-Arnold can also be afforded a gradual re-introduction.

The vice-captain may now be ready for minutes, but with so many important games on the horizon and the risk of bringing players back early all too familiar, a start here is unlikely.

If fit, Ibrahima Konate will return to partner Virgil van Dijk in the centre and Andy Robertson should continue at left back.

Midfield

Wataru Endo's bookings will get cleared after this game, meaning he won't be in danger of suffering a two-match ban for adding to his eight yellow cards here. However, it's easy to see the Japan captain earning a rest against Palace, particularly if he plays during the mid-week clash against Atalanta.

Despite his form higher up the pitch, Alexis Mac Allister could drop back into a deeper role with Dominik Szoboszlai and the fit-again Curtis Jones either side of him.

Stefan Bajcetic is unlikely to be an option for this game, with Klopp admitting the returning youngster will be given minutes with the Under-21s before making his first senior appearance since September.

Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch, Bobby Clark and James McConnell are the other midfield options available.

Attack

Diogo Jota's stock has only risen in his absence and there has been much clamour for the Portuguese in recent weeks, with finishing an issue in the games against Manchester City and United.

With the forward now back in training, he might just be in line for a first start since February, if all goes to plan this week.

Luis Diaz has played a lot of football of late and could be the one rested here, with Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah the other two making up the attack.

In 11 Liverpool games against Palace, Salah has eight goals and five assists.

Predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Crystal Palace

(4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Jota