---
title: "Pundit predicts ‘really difficult’ EPL contest for Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/pundit-predicts-really-difficult-epl-contest-for-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-01-23T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2022-01-23T08:00:00Z"
---

# Pundit predicts ‘really difficult’ EPL contest for Liverpool

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/01/22/virals-liverpool-in-talks-to-sign-real-madrid-ace-andriy-lunin/) have the chance to seize on a rare mistake from Manchester City and close the gap at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds head to London with an additional incentive to face a [Crystal Palace side on the rise](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/patrick-vieira-crystal-palace-spark-into-life-b958842.html) under Patrick Vieira.

Despite still being [12 points behind](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) the runaway leaders, Jurgen Klopp’s side has two games in hand and still have to play their recent rivals later on in the campaign.

Writing for [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60069036) prior to the City slip, former Anfield hero Mark Lawrenson suggested that the clash at Selhurst Park will be anything but straightforward.

> Like Arsenal, Liverpool also come into this game on the back of a huge cup game and, as with the Gunners, I think it could affect them on Sunday. While Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are away, Liverpool have to work harder for a breakthrough whoever they play, and Palace are good enough defensively to make it really difficult for them.

Lawrenson predicted a 1-1 draw in [South East London](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/) in a result that would seriously hurt the Liverpool title tilt.

Liverpool will remain without Sadio Mane. Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah, but could [welcome Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10426943/Liverpool-Jurgen-Klopp-says-Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain-play-against-Crystal-Palace.html) into the fold.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

If any extra motivation was needed then [Southampton gave it to the Reds](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60005892) last night.

Albeit Klopp’s men will undoubtedly miss Salah and Mane in particular, the [form of Diogo Jota](https://www.sofascore.com/player/diogo-jota/606164) will be a huge plus point in recent weeks and will give Liverpool every chance here.

With a mini-break following this clash and the [FA Cup fourth-round tie with Cardiff City](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2021-22/men/fixtures-and-results) next up, this contest needs one huge effort from this group before welcoming back their AFCON stars, Thiago and perhaps Harvey Elliott.