BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Liverpool to defeat Crystal Palace 3-0 in their upcoming Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday, April 14.
The Reds suffered a massive blow on Sunday after they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. They are now second in the league standings with 71 points from 31 games. They are behind Arsenal on goal difference (42/51), but still have a relatively good chance to win the title.
On the other hand, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace are winless in their last five league games, losing three of them. To make matters worse, the Eagles have failed to defeat Liverpool in their last 13 league games, drawing two and losing 11. Their last win against the Merseysiders came back in April 2017.
Sutton made his prediction, writing (via BBC Sport):
“This is a must-win for Liverpool following their slip-up at Old Trafford. They have got some tricky games in their run-in but I don’t see this being one of them, even though they play in the Europa League against Atalanta on Thursday.”
He added:
“One issue for Jurgen Klopp’s side is that Mohamed Salah has not been at his sharpest since he has come back from injury – he has been missing chances that you expect him to put away.”
“Crystal Palace have now gone five games without a win since beating Burnley in Oliver Glasner’s first match in charge. They need to pick up some points, and quickly, to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle but they are not getting anything at Anfield.”
Sutton’s Prediction: 3-0