Can Isak punish the Premier League's leakiest defence? Crystal Palace vs Liverpool prediction – 08.11.2026
On Sunday, November 8, 2026, Crystal Palace will host Liverpool at Selhurst Park in the tenth round of the English Premier League. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 GMT. The visitors arrive as favourites, but both teams are under pressure to deliver a positive result. Liverpool are trying to stay in touch with the leading clubs, while Palace desperately need points to escape the relegation zone.
- Also read: Manchester City aim to end losing streak: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City prediction.
Crystal Palace: defensive problems and a depleted attack
Crystal Palace have endured a disappointing start to the Premier League campaign. After nine matches, Pierre Sage's side have collected just seven points, recording two wins, one draw and six defeats. The Eagles currently occupy 18th place, with their defensive performances causing particular concern.
Palace have already conceded 21 goals in nine league games, the worst defensive record in the competition. Their recent results have done little to inspire confidence, with three consecutive Premier League defeats. The latest setback came against Tottenham, where Palace suffered a 2-0 defeat after Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off in the 13th minute.
The situation is complicated by significant personnel problems. Mateta is suspended, while Ismaila Sarr remains unavailable through injury. Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined, leaving Sage with limited options in several positions.
Eddie Nketiah is a leading candidate to spearhead the attack, although Jorgen Strand Larsen is another possibility after recovering sufficiently to return to contention. However, the Norwegian's match fitness remains a concern.
Palace showed determination in their recent 1-1 Europa League draw with Hoffenheim, when Daichi Kamada scored a late equaliser. Nevertheless, their Premier League performances suggest they could struggle against Liverpool's attacking quality, particularly without two important forwards.
Liverpool: a chance to respond after consecutive defeats
Liverpool have also experienced some difficulties, but their position is considerably stronger. After nine league matches, the Reds have 15 points from four wins, three draws and two defeats, with 11 goals scored and nine conceded.
Andoni Iraola's side defeated Brentford 2-1 and Brighton 2-0 before suffering a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Arsenal. Their latest Champions League outing ended in a 3-2 loss to Fenerbahce, increasing the pressure to return to winning ways.
Alexander Isak remains Liverpool's main attacking weapon. The Swedish striker has scored six Premier League goals this season, accounting for more than half of the team's league total. His finishing ability could be decisive against a Palace defence that has struggled to contain opponents throughout the campaign.
Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Bradley Barcola provide further creativity and attacking variety. Liverpool should be capable of controlling possession and finding opportunities through quick combinations between the lines and movements into the penalty area.
There are some selection concerns, however. Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable, while Ryan Gravenberch is doubtful with a heel problem.
Despite these absences, Liverpool have considerably more attacking depth than their opponents. Against a vulnerable Palace defence, Iraola's team will expect to create enough chances to secure an important victory.
Probable lineups
- Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Disasi, Canvot; Mingueza, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; McNeil, Pino; Nketiah.
- Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola; Isak.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Crystal Palace have conceded 21 goals in nine Premier League matches.
- Palace have lost their last three league games.
- Liverpool have collected 15 points from their opening nine league fixtures.
- Alexander Isak has scored six of Liverpool's 11 Premier League goals this season.
- Liverpool defeated Palace 3-1 in their most recent league meeting in April 2026.
- Palace won the previous Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park 2-1 in September 2025.
Can Liverpool take advantage of Palace's crisis? Crystal Palace vs Liverpool prediction
Liverpool are far from flawless, and their recent defeats suggest they may struggle to dominate throughout the entire match. However, this fixture offers an excellent opportunity for Iraola's side to regain confidence against one of the Premier League's most vulnerable defences.
Crystal Palace's situation looks particularly difficult. Conceding more than two goals per league match on average is already a serious problem, and the absence of Mateta and Sarr further reduces their ability to threaten opponents. Sage's team will probably look to remain compact and exploit counterattacking opportunities, but maintaining defensive discipline for 90 minutes will be challenging.
Liverpool possess the individual quality to punish mistakes, and Isak's finishing ability could make the difference. Although Palace's home advantage should not be underestimated, the visitors have stronger attacking options and a clear opportunity to secure three important points.
Prediction: Liverpool to win.
