Three more points are required for Liverpool to ensure all their good work against Manchester City is not undone, says Jurgen Klopp.
Palace are in the middle of a tough run of games including Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Leicester.
Roy Hodgson’s side went down 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last time out. But they will be hoping to put a dent in the seemingly unstoppable Liverpool juggernaut.
The Reds have won four out of their last four against Palace and remain unbeaten this season, only dropping points at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw in October.
However, they’re about to embark on their most intense period of the season.
After Palace, they will play every three or four days from now until January.
Liverpool boss Klopp spoke about the hectic schedule when he addressed the media in his pre-match press conference today (November 22).
He said: “I should be used to it now. It’s my fourth time that I have faced this period.”
Although he says that there’s no rotation plan to combat fixture pile-up, Klopp recognises the importance of his players’ fitness.
“We have to make sure that they are all absolutely in top shape.”
The German is sweating on the fitness of one of his key men. Mo Salah is currently struggling to shake off an ankle knock. The injury occurred due to a hefty tackle from Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury at Anfield back in October.
The Egyptian was forced out of the Reds’ clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford last month and Klopp gave an update on his forward.
“He trained the whole time (during the international break) but only the things we wanted him to do.”
Under Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace are a tricky opponent for the top teams, underlined by their fantastic 3-2 win away to Man City last season as well as a tight 4-3 loss at Anfield and Klopp knows the size of the challenge this weekend and insists there will be no overlooking Palace.
“The home games for them are pretty special because there’s a really nice atmosphere there. They make it difficult, it’s a special place to go 100%.”
The Eagles can propel themselves into the top half of the table with a win. Midtable congestion means if results go their way they can find themselves as high as 7th.
On the other hand, Liverpool can move further clear at the top of the table as second-placed Leicester City face a tough trip to Brighton, whilst Man City host Chelsea as 3rd face 4th.
Jurgen Klopp – Photo by Mehdi Bolourian under creative commons license
Mo Salah – Photo by Дмитрий Голубович under creative commons licence
