Liverpool FC vs Crystal Palace

Under the bright floodlights of Anfield, Liverpool prepare to host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. Kickoff is set for 19:45 GMT, and the atmosphere around the stadium is already electric as fans anticipate a lively midweek clash. Both teams come into the match with different ambitions — Liverpool aiming to restore confidence after a shaky run of form, and Palace seeking another famous result away from home. The encounter carries intrigue, not only because of the cup stakes but also due to the tactical contrast between Arne Slot’s fluid system and Oliver Glasner’s disciplined structure.

Liverpool’s squad news paints a mixed picture. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out with a hamstring injury, forcing Caoimhín Kelleher to continue between the posts. Jeremie Frimpong is unavailable with a thigh strain, while young defender Giovanni Leoni faces a long recovery from ACL surgery. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are slight doubts but could feature on the bench. Arne Slot is expected to rotate, bringing in Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, and perhaps youngster Bobby Clark for valuable minutes. On the Crystal Palace side, Cheick Doucouré is still sidelined, Chadi Riad is nearing fitness after a knee problem, and forward Odsonne Édouard is managing a muscle issue. Glasner may turn to Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze as his main attacking outlets, supported by a mix of experienced defenders and academy players.

From a tactical standpoint, Slot is expected to stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation, focused on structured buildup play from the back and aggressive pressing in the opponent’s half. With several regular starters missing, Liverpool may rely more on wide overloads and vertical passing from midfield to unlock Palace’s defense. Glasner’s approach, on the other hand, will likely be pragmatic — defending deep in a compact 4-3-3 and looking to break through the speed of Jordan Ayew and Eze. Palace’s midfield balance will be crucial in containing Liverpool’s press, especially with the home side expected to dominate possession for long stretches.

The English media has built plenty of anticipation around this fixture, questioning whether Slot’s side can bounce back after five defeats in their last six matches across all competitions. Reports highlight the importance of this cup tie for morale, noting that Liverpool’s new system has shown flashes of brilliance but still lacks consistency. On the other hand, Crystal Palace have been praised for their organized displays under Glasner and their recent ability to frustrate top-six opponents. Several journalists have described the match as a “trap fixture” for Liverpool, with Palace seen as the kind of side capable of capitalizing on any defensive lapses or overconfidence.

Analysts in the pre-match studios have focused on two primary storylines — Liverpool’s depth under Arne Slot and the adaptability of Palace’s counter-attacking setup. Some pundits argue that the game will be a test of Liverpool’s mentality and rotation strength, particularly from the bench. Others point out that Palace’s recent resilience, especially against possession-heavy teams, gives them a realistic chance to make it difficult for the hosts. Most predictions lean toward a narrow Liverpool win, but the consensus remains that the Reds cannot afford complacency — especially against a Palace team known for spoiling big nights at Anfield.

Watch and Download Liverpool FC vs Crystal Palace full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The match played at Anfield, in EFL Cup, England.

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