Liverpool vs Crystal Palace - Predictions

Liverpool are looking to put a disappointing week behind them when they welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield in the Premier League this Sunday. 

The Reds surrendered top spot last weekend after only managing a 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, following up that display with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Atalanta on Thursday in the Europa League.

However, Jurgen Klopp's side are still firmly in the title race with seven games to play, currently sat level on points with table-toppers Arsenal and a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City.

Liverpool simply must take all three points from their clash with the Eagles this weekend if they are to secure a second Premier League crown, but Oliver Glasner's side are certain to cause the Reds plenty of problems.

Here is how Anfield Watch's writers think Sunday's encounter might play out.

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Ewan Ross-Murray: If Liverpool were sleepwalking towards the end of the campaign, they were certainly jolted awake on Thursday night.

Atalanta delivered the Reds a damning reality check, with Klopp's men putting in one of their all-time worst European performances during the German's reign.

Such a defeat and result could have a disastrous impact on morale ahead of the crucial run-in, but it could also reinvigorate a group of players who will want to put things right as soon as possible.

I think the latter might be the case, especially if Anfield can be a little more vocal than it was midweek. There will be no rotation of first-teamers and the return of some key injured personnel will offer Klopp another boost.

I'm backing Liverpool to bounce back, even if I can't envisage a clean sheet.

Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace

Andy Headspeath:  Liverpool need a reaction this Sunday.

They've won just three of their last seven in all comps, no clean sheets in eight and the odds of ending Jurgen Klopp's final season with more than just a Carabao Cup to parade around the city are lengthening.

Palace are, in many ways, an ideal opponent, with Glasner's side struggling badly for form and without a win on the road since beating Burnley in November.

Diogo Jota's return is timely, while Mo Salah's record against the Eagles is typically strong. On paper this should be a nice, boring, goal difference-boosting win with little fuss or drama.

But the reality is, with Liverpool this season, that is almost never the case.

Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace

Alex Caple: Before Thursday evening, I was certain Liverpool would use the Old Trafford draw to recapture their intensity and momentum. I think I had this one down as about 3-0.

But then the Atalanta game happened and everything was thrown up in the air. If Liverpool play like they did then, they'll drop points here. Maybe all three.

Fortunately, Palace are in wretched form - so that certainly helps. I'll still back Liverpool to win because they simply have to. Failure would feel like an end to the season, quite honestly.

This probably won't be 3-0 but it'll feel like a cup final and one the Reds should still win.

Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace