English Premier League: First taste of Monday Night Football – Crystal Palace welcomes Liverpool

Two teams who have their own history in recent years, with Crystal Palace having the biggest laugh. Who will end tonight’s challenge on a high note?

There was a time, four years ago to be exact. Where Liverpool was in a dream position to take the English Premier League title. However, the Eagles weren’t having it and stopped the celebrations dead in its tracks.

A three-goal comeback was enough to see the Red’s dream for a league trophy slip out of their hands. It was one of the biggest draws for Palace as it aided in them staying in the English Premier League. For Liverpool, who was then managed by Brendan Rodgers, were so close at the time but remained so far from glory, even till today.

This was the first straw, the next came when Klopp was named manager and took over in a game at Anfield and palace was the visitors on the day. Klopp was on a healthy run of games, showing why he was a better inclusion than his predecessor. However at Anfield, it was Palace who this time helped in the exclusion of the Kopites reaching a Champions League spot.

With all being said, think it’s safe to say, Crystal Palace is Liverpool’s hoodoo team. Last season went much different for the two sides, as the Reds were one of the biggest forces to reckon with. Roy had to save his London side from their most embarrassing campaign in their history of football.

The last two results, both at Anfield and Selhurst Park has seen the Reds pluck the feathers of the Eagles, making this fixture quite the treat for Monday Night Football. Let’s take a look at the two teams first game and if there are any problems ahead of the match.

The home side – Crystal Palace

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Palace has already afforded themselves a better start to life this time around in the English Premier League. Last season’s forgettable start under Frank de Boer has already been put to bed when Roy led his team to an away victory against newly promoted side, Fulham.

The Craven Cottage side was the team making all the headlines with their brilliant business, all while Palace did the talking on the pitch. Hush one, hush two, quiet the promoted side with a two goal beating.

This three point boost plus their fully fit squad, gives Roy all the hope heading into this game. The flame burning in the heart of one player who wants to stick it to Liverpool – that player is Benteke who has a vendetta.

All this gives the home side a bit of edge in the game. Hopefully, they will use it to their advantage and give the visitors an early season shocker.

The travelling team – Liverpool

Liverpool travel in high spirits after their first fixture. A win with four goals over a West Ham who were supposed to be one of the mid-table teams to beat.

They were the most convincing in the round of Matchday 1, with Sadio Mane the man winning the show. A small taste of Naby Keita has the Kop fans wanting more. They lineup the same with some injuries and a late departure.

Klopp must build on last week’s showing and having the London side as an opponent, there just couldn’t be a better test. They must act as the second best team in the league if they to keep up the chase. Manchester City took what was theirs in their demolition of Huddersfield at the Etihad stadium.

A clean sheet and a few goals will get Klopp’s men back to the top spot. It looks as if one slip can decide the league for these top-six clubs, mostly for Manchester City and Liverpool.