After nine games in the new Premier League campaign, Liverpool is staring down a brutal truth: they’re fresh off back-to-back defeats, first to Arsenal in the league, then a total collapse against Fenerbahçe in Europe. Manager Andoni Iraola’s side has endured a truly frustrating week, with a narrow home defeat followed by a gut-wrenching European stumble in Turkey. These aren’t just bumps in the road, folks. These recent results have ripped open familiar problems with defensive concentration, midfield balance, and frankly, squad fatigue. Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace isn’t just another game, it’s a make-or-break moment. Liverpool desperately needs a response, and another loss would crank up the pressure on a team still trying to figure out who they are under new leadership.
The Collapse Is Real, and It’s Ugly
Iraola’s whole philosophy is built on energy, aggression, and relentless, coordinated pressing. When the Reds are dialed in, they can absolutely overwhelm opponents, creating chances through lightning-quick transitions and suffocating pressure. But let’s be real, the last two performances have shown just how fragile that approach can be. When the midfield’s out of sync or your key players look gassed, the system breaks down. Against Arsenal, they worked their tails off, sure, but couldn’t punch through a well-drilled defensive wall. Then Istanbul happened, and the problems got even more glaring. They surrendered their lead and looked like they just ran out of gas. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you know what this team is capable of, but the numbers don’t lie.
Selhurst Park Will Test Their Resolve
This trip to Selhurst Park is going to be another brutal test. That place is never an easy visit, and you can bet Crystal Palace will bring all their physicality, direct attacking play, and that rabid home support to bear. Liverpool has to walk onto that pitch with fire in their bellies. They need to start with urgency, protect those central areas like their lives depend on it, and absolutely refuse to let Palace dictate the tempo. The midfield partnership of Alexis Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni could be massive here; Nyoni, despite his age, continues to impress and he’ll need to step up.
Iraola is expected to roll out a stronger starting lineup after making changes for the European fixture, which is a smart move. We’re looking at a 4-2-3-1: Alisson Becker in goal, Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez across the back. Mac Allister and Nyoni will anchor the midfield, with Florian Wirtz at the number 10, connecting the attack with Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola on the wings, and Alexander Isak leading the line. The defensive unit needs to find some consistency, and the Mac Allister-Nyoni pivot should give them some much-needed balance. Wirtz at #10 could unlock some magic, but the front three have to deliver. Isak needs better service, and Barcola and Gakpo simply must offer more quality in the final third. The talent is there to trouble Palace, but that potential needs to translate into goals.
This is a game Liverpool needs to attack with pure conviction. Those recent defeats can’t be what defines their season, but the way they respond on Sunday is going to tell us everything about this team’s character and exactly how much progress they’re making under Iraola. Palace will make it tough, especially at home, but Liverpool has the quality to grab this win. Kick-off is Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 14:00 GMT. Let’s see what they’re truly made of.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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