Key Points
- Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner predicts Liverpool’s front four lineup ahead of their Premier League match at Anfield on Saturday.
- Glasner expects no changes to Liverpool’s attack, naming Alexander Isak to start and Cody Gakpo to continue over Rio Ngumoha.
- The game marks the fourth meeting between the teams this season, with Palace having beaten Liverpool in the previous three encounters.
- Liverpool seek a third straight Premier League win under Arne Slot, who reported no new injuries during his Friday press conference.
- Glasner, the 51-year-old Austrian, believes his team can exploit Slot’s predicted lineup.
Liverpool (South London News) April 25, 2026 – Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has made a bold prediction about Liverpool’s front four for their Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday, stating he expects no changes to Arne Slot’s attacking lineup.
Glasner, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, anticipates Alexander Isak to start again despite debates over his selection, with Cody Gakpo retaining his place after a strong showing in the recent Merseyside Derby against Everton. The Austrian manager suggested Palace could target weaknesses in this setup, drawing confidence from Palace’s three prior victories over Liverpool this season. As reported by the Rousing the Kop team, Glasner remarked on facing the press: “And as he faced the press on Friday, the Austrian made a confident prediction about who will play for Liverpool, and how his team will look to exploit Arne Slot’s line-up.”
Will Oliver Glasner’s Prediction Shape Crystal Palace’s Tactics?
Arne Slot confirmed no new injuries during his own Friday briefing, allowing him a full week to prepare his squad for the first time in recent weeks. This luxury could enable a strong starting XI, though questions linger over whether Isak should feature from the outset or if young talent Rio Ngumoha deserves a start following his cameo against Everton. Glasner, however, dismissed such rotation in his view, predicting Isak’s inclusion alongside Gakpo’s continuity.
“In Glasner’s mind, he is expecting Isak to get the nod, and the 51-year-old is also predicting that Cody Gakpo will continue in place of Ngumoha after a good performance in the Merseyside Derby,”
Paul Merson, the former Arsenal player turned pundit, has weighed in on the broader context of the fixture. As reported by Read Crystal Palace on April 25, 2026, Merson predicted a “comfortable win” for Liverpool, stating:
“Liverpool got a massive result last weekend in the derby against Everton. They are now five points ahead of Brighton and could open that gap up to eight points with a win here.”
Merson further elaborated in Empire of the Kop on April 23, 2026:
“If Liverpool get three points in this game, I’d be shocked if they still miss out on Champions League football next season. Comfortable win for Liverpool here.”
He forecasted a 3-0 Liverpool victory, adding: “I don’t expect Crystal Palace to win another Premier League match this season!”
Why Has Crystal Palace Beaten Liverpool Three Times This Season?
The upcoming match represents the fourth encounter between the sides this season, with Palace holding a perfect record from the prior three. Glasner may feel he has Liverpool’s measure, a sentiment echoed in pre-match build-up.
Liverpool enter the game chasing a third consecutive Premier League win, aiming to solidify their top-four push. Slot’s side recently overcame Everton in the derby, boosting momentum, while Palace face a congested schedule including a Europa Conference League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk next Thursday, as highlighted by Paul Merson in Read Liverpool FC on April 24, 2026:
“Crystal Palace have a big game coming up in the Europa Conference League against Shakhtar Donetsk next Thursday.”
Alexander Isak’s role has sparked discussion. Rousing the Kop warned on April 24, 2026, of pundit Paul Merson’s caution ahead of the Palace game, linking to debates on whether the striker should start. Earlier coverage, such as ESPN on April 2, 2026, noted Slot’s view that Isak was “definitely too fast” to start immediately after injury, though he praised the forward’s return to training as a “very good thing.”
Isak, who joined Liverpool for £125 million from Newcastle last summer, has faced a challenging debut campaign marred by a broken leg and ankle in December against Tottenham. Former Liverpool player Joe Cole advised caution on integration, per Yahoo Sports in September 2025:
“I don’t anticipate him joining the starting lineup immediately. They need to be strategic with him.”
Cody Gakpo’s form adds another layer. The Dutch forward impressed in the derby, leading Glasner to predict his retention over Ngumoha. Liverpool.com reported on March 6, 2026, a lineup including both Ngumoha and Gakpo against Wolves, with Ngumoha starting in an FA Cup tie:
“Ngumoha has been included in the starting lineup as the team seeks redemption.”
Football Insider on February 25, 2026, predicted Gakpo’s omission against West Ham due to rotation, but recent performances suggest otherwise.
How Might Arne Slot Respond to Glasner’s Lineup Prediction?
Slot’s press conference emphasised squad fitness, with no fresh concerns reported. This stability contrasts with earlier injury woes that disrupted preparations. Glasner’s foresight into Liverpool’s attack—likely featuring Isak centrally, Gakpo in support, and wide options like Mohamed Salah—positions Palace to prepare specific counters. The Rousing the Kop article detailed:
“Glasner expecting no changes to Liverpool’s attack. It has felt like a long while since Slot had the luxury of having a full week off to prepare for matches.”
Punditry varies. Ian Rush, Liverpool legend, predicted synergy between Isak and Hugo Ekitike in TalkSport on October 13, 2025:
“Liverpool great Ian Rush believes it’s only a matter of time before Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike start games together.”
Ekitike has featured prominently early on, but Isak holds the recent edge, starting four of the last six matches with one goal and assist.
Merson’s optimism for Liverpool persists across outlets: Read Liverpool FC quoted him on April 24, 2026, dismissing Palace’s chances despite their prior successes:
“Staggeringly, despite the reigning Premier League champions suffering from regular misfires this season, with ten league defeats next to their name, Merson is predicting that Liverpool will humble Palace 3-0 at Anfield.”
Background of the Development
This prediction emerges amid Crystal Palace’s surprising dominance over Liverpool this season, marking three wins in three meetings. Glasner’s appointment as Palace boss has coincided with tactical acumen against top sides, while Liverpool’s campaign under Slot has blended highs—like the derby win—with integration challenges for big-money signings like Isak.
The fixture’s context includes Liverpool’s title defence struggles (ten defeats noted) and Palace’s European commitments, setting the stage for Glasner’s insight drawn from scouting and prior results.
Prediction: Impact on Premier League Audiences
This development could influence Liverpool fans by heightening expectations for attacking continuity, potentially stabilising Slot’s selections amid rotation debates and aiding their Champions League push if predictions like Merson’s 3-0 win materialise. Crystal Palace supporters may gain tactical hope from Glasner’s blueprint, possibly extending their giant-killing run despite relegation whispers. Broader Premier League followers could see reinforced narratives around Isak’s adaptation and Gakpo’s reliability, shaping transfer talks and mid-table battles as the season nears its close.
