Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: EFL Cup Round 4 Preview & Prediction

Match Details:

• Fixture: Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
• Competition: EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) - Round 4, 2025/26 Season
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
• Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
• Kick-Off: 20:45 GMT (22:45 EAT)
• Referee: TBC

Quick Match Summary

Liverpool host Crystal Palace in a crucial EFL Cup Round 4 tie at Anfield. The Reds seek revenge after Palace's shock 2-1 Premier League victory in September. With both teams expected to rotate heavily, this Cup clash offers fringe players a chance to impress while providing a genuine upset opportunity for the Eagles. 

Our Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace | Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Reds to Edge Tight Cup Battle

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace promises drama as the Reds look to avenge their recent Premier League defeat. The Liverpool vs Crystal Palace EFL Cup encounter at Anfield comes just over a month after Palace stunned Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park on September 27, 2025, handing the home side a rare defeat.

Reds lost 3-2 to Brentford over the weekend extending thier defeats to 4 in a row in the Premier League. Liverpool are currently a colossus in crisis, they are stumbling through an inspired performances that belies their size and reputation.

Crystal Palace also lost 1-0 to Arsenal over the weekend as their former player Eze came back to haunt them. Palace last win in the league came against Liverpool back in September which has been followed by strings of poor performances including a loss to Larnaca in the Conference League.

Despite rotation expected from both managers, Liverpool enter as favorites with historical dominance at Anfield in cup competitions. However, Crystal Palace have proven they possess the tactical nous and confidence to trouble Liverpool's defense, which has looked lost in recent weeks.

This Liverpool vs Crystal Palace final score prediction suggests a narrow home victory, but Palace's recent success against the Reds makes this one of the most intriguing Carabao Cup Round 4 fixtures.

Recent Form Analysis: Liverpool's Struggles Meet Palace's Confidence

Both teams arrive at this EFL Cup Round 4 clash in a low momentum that could make this tie unpredictable.

Liverpool's Form Concerns

The Reds have endured a difficult spell with just one victory in their last five outings across all competitions. Most concerning is their defensive fragility; conceding 9 goals in five matches represents a dramatic drop from their usual standards. Manager Arne Slot will be desperate to stop the rot, even if this Cup tie means squad rotation.

Crystal Palace's Fading Momentum

Palace are struggling to find their stride at the moment, with their last Domestic win being that memorable triumph over Liverpool. Manager Oliver Glasner has instilled tactical discipline and counter-attacking threat that has made the Eagles dangerous opponents for any team in England.

Head-to-Head Record: History Favors Liverpool, Recent Form Favors Palace

The historical record heavily favors Liverpool, but recent encounters tell a more balanced story:

Last 10 Meetings:

• Liverpool Wins: 4
• Draws: 4
• Crystal Palace Wins: 2
• Goals: 70% of matches produced Over 1.5 goals

Most Recent Results:

1. Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League, September 27, 2025)
2. Liverpool 2-2 Crystal Palace (FA Community shield, August 2025)
3. Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League, May 25, 2025)
4. Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League, October 5, 2024)

At Anfield (Last 5):

• Liverpool: 2 wins, 2 draw, 1 loss
• Average goals per game: 2.0

Palace's ability to secure victory at Anfield just weeks ago proves they fear no one. This psychological edge, combined with Liverpool's defensive issues, makes the Eagles genuine contenders to cause another upset in this Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Carabao Cup showdown.

Team News, Injuries & Expected Squad Rotation

Liverpool Team News & Probable Changes

Confirmed Injuries:

• Stefan Bajčetić  - Hamstring
• Jeremie Frimpong - Hamstring
• Alexander Isak - Groin
• Ryan Gravenberch - Ankle
• Giovanni Leoni - Knee
• Jayden Danns - Hamstring
• Allison - Thigh
• Curtis Jones - knock

Expected Rotation: With Premier League and Champions League commitments taking priority, Slot will make significant changes:

• Key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Robertson expected to be rested
• Fringe players Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Endo likely to start
• Young talents Ngumoha and Nyoni could feature
• Cody Gakpo and Ekitike may lead the attack

Despite heavy rotation, Liverpool's squad depth means they'll still field a competitive XI capable of dominating possession and creating chances.

Crystal Palace Squad Rotation & Injury Update

Confirmed Injuries:

• Chadi Riad - Knee
• Cheick Doucoure - Knee

Suspension:

• None

Expected Changes: Palace manager Oliver Glasner might pick a strong side motivated by the recent league victory:

• Dean Henderson will keep his place in goal
• Key attacker Mateta may be saved for league action

Tactical Breakdown: Contrasting Styles at Anfield

Liverpool's Attacking Approach

Even with a rotated squad, Liverpool will dominate possession and push Palace deep from the opening whistle.

Key Tactical Elements:

• High pressing: Force Palace errors in dangerous areas
• Wide attacking play: Full-backs stretching Palace's defensive shape
• Quick transitions: Exploit spaces when Palace commits forward
• Set-piece threat: Corners and free-kicks to capitalize on aerial presence
• Fluid front three: Interchanging positions to confuse Palace's backline

Defensive Vulnerability: Liverpool's recent defensive fragility is a major concern. With 8 of their last 9 matches seeing Over 2.5 goals, they've been leaking chances at an uncharacteristic rate. Palace's pace on the counter could expose high defensive lines.

Crystal Palace's Counter-Attacking Blueprint

Palace proved in September they have the tactical discipline to frustrate and beat Liverpool at their own ground.

Glasner's Game Plan:

• Compact 3-4-2-1 shape: Limit space in Liverpool's dangerous final third areas
• Disciplined defensive block: Three banks of five to prevent Liverpool's fluid movement
• Quick transitions: Exploit pace on the break when Liverpool commit numbers forward
• Physical midfield battles: Disrupt Liverpool's rhythm and tempo
• Target set-pieces: Aerial threat from defenders on corners

Palace's recent victory provides the perfect blueprint. They absorbed pressure brilliantly, stayed organized defensively, and struck clinically when opportunities arose.

Probable Starting Line-ups

Liverpool Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

             Mamardashvili

  Bradley  Konate  Gomez  Kerkez

      Mac Allister        Endo   
                 Writz

    Chiesa    Ekitike    Gakpo

Substitutes: Woodman, van Dijk, Nyoni, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha, Salah, Jones, Morrison

Crystal Palace Predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

We are expecting a competitive edge:

            Henderson

    Richards  Guehi  Lacroix

   Mitchell  Wharton  Lerma  Munoz

    Pino   Nketiah   Sarr

Substitutes: Benitez, Clyne, Sosa, Kamada, Hughes, Devenny, Mateta, Uche, Canvot

Key Battles That Will Decide the Match

1. Konate vs Nketiah's Counter-Attack

Konate  have to be on his toes to handle the speed and movement of Nketiah?

2. Midfield Control: Wharton vs Mac Allister

Liverpool's midfielder Mac Allister need to impose his technical quality amid dip in form against Palace's physical and hardwoking Wharton. The team that controls this area will likely dictate the match tempo.

3. Set-Piece Situations

Both teams possess aerial threats and that means set-pieces could prove decisive. Liverpool's delivery quality versus Palace's defensive organization and vice versa will be fascinating.

Betting Tips & Match Predictions

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Final Score Prediction

This Liverpool vs Crystal Palace prediction is challenging given Liverpool's poor recent form against Palace's invonsistent form and psychological advantage from the September victory.

Prediction Factors:

✅ Liverpool's Anfield advantage – Even rotated, the Reds are formidable at home in cup competitions
✅ Desperation factor – Liverpool cannot afford three consecutive defeats to Palace
✅ Squad depth – Liverpool's second-string players are still high quality
✅ Cup pedigree – Liverpool's winning mentality in knockout competitions

❌ Palace's confidence – They know the blueprint to beat Liverpool
❌ Liverpool's defensive issues – Conceding far too many goals recently
❌ Rotation disruption – Both teams will be significantly weakened
❌ Psychological edge – Palace have recent victory to draw confidence from

Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace

Liverpool's home advantage and desperation to avoid embarrassment should be enough to edge a tight, competitive contest. Expect goals from both sides given Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities and Palace's proven counter-attacking threat.

Recommended Bets:

1. Over 2.5 Goals ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (BEST BET)
   • Liverpool's last 8 matches: 7 have had 3+ goals
   • Both teams to create chances despite rotation
2. Both Teams to Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
   • Palace scored at Anfield recently
   • Liverpool's defensive issues continue
3. Liverpool to Win ⭐⭐⭐
   • Anfield cup nights historically favor the Reds
   • Quality depth should tell eventually
4. Correct Score: 2-1 Liverpool ⭐⭐⭐
   • Tight match with goals at both ends
   • Liverpool edge it late

Betting Disclaimer: Please gamble responsibly. These predictions are for entertainment purposes only. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Where to Watch Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

Kick-Off: Wednesday, October 30, 2025 at 20:45 GMT (22:45 EAT)
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Coverage: Check local listings for broadcast details
Live Stream: Available via official EFL Cup broadcasters in your region

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time does Liverpool vs Crystal Palace kick off?
A: The match kicks off at 20:45 GMT (22:45 EAT) on Wednesday, October 30, 2025.

Q: Where can I watch Liverpool vs Crystal Palace?
A: Check your local EFL Cup broadcaster. In the UK, matches are typically shown on Sky Sports or ITV.

Q: Will Liverpool rotate their squad?
A: Yes, significant rotation is expected with key players rested for Premier League and Champions League fixtures.

Q: What happened in the last Liverpool vs Crystal Palace match?
A: Crystal Palace won 2-1 in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on September 27, 2025.

Q: Who is favorite to win Liverpool vs Crystal Palace?
A: Liverpool are favorites despite recent poor form, with home advantage at Anfield being decisive.

Q: What are the best bets for Liverpool vs Crystal Palace?
A: Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score offer the best value given recent trends.

Final Verdict: Liverpool to Progress But Palace Will Push Them

This Liverpool vs Crystal Palace EFL Cup tie promises to be far more competitive than the bookmakers suggest. Palace have proven they can beat Liverpool, and the Reds' recent defensive struggles make them vulnerable even at Anfield.

However, Liverpool's cup pedigree, home advantage, and superior squad depth should ultimately prove decisive. Expect a tight, entertaining match with goals at both ends before Liverpool edges through to the EFL Cup Quarter-Finals with a narrow 2-1 victory.

Palace will make the Reds work hard for every yard, but Anfield on a cup night should inspire the rotated Liverpool side to grind out the result they desperately need.

Don't miss this crucial Carabao Cup clash as Liverpool seek revenge against Crystal Palace!

Article by Apoll Tonny, Football Analyst
Published: October 27, 2025 | Last Updated: October 27, 2025
Statistics sourced from official EFL Cup and Premier League data