Liverpool face selection decisions over Dominik Szoboszlai and Bradley Barcola ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. As of publication, the starting line-up has not been confirmed. Andoni Iraola has reported no fresh injury concerns, although Ryan Gravenberch remains doubtful, leaving the manager to consider his midfield balance and attacking options.
Szoboszlai is an option to partner Alexis Mac Allister if Gravenberch is unavailable, with Trey Nyoni also in contention. Having recently returned from a hamstring injury, the Hungarian could be deployed deeper to allow Florian Wirtz to operate in the No. 10 role. That would give Liverpool additional creativity centrally, although Iraola must also consider the defensive balance of his midfield pairing.
Barcola could return to a more familiar wide position after being used as a central forward in the midweek Champions League defeat to Fenerbahçe. Iraola has acknowledged the France international’s ability to play through the middle but explained that most of his experience has come on the wings. Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha provide further wide options, while Alexander Isak is expected to lead the attack.
Liverpool’s projected defence features Alisson in goal, with Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez across the back four. That remains a predicted selection rather than an announced team. Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike remain unavailable, while Gravenberch’s fitness is the main outstanding concern.
Crystal Palace also have important absences. Jean-Philippe Mateta is suspended, while Chadi Riad, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ismaïla Sarr are sidelined through injury. Manager Pierre Sage must therefore adjust his options as Palace seek points near the bottom of the table, rather than pursue a title challenge.
The tactical contest will depend partly on Liverpool’s ability to turn possession into clear chances without leaving themselves exposed in transition. A midfield pairing of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai would offer passing quality behind Wirtz, while Barcola’s pace could provide a threat from wide areas. However, those combinations remain possibilities until Iraola names his side.
Liverpool arrive seeking a response to consecutive defeats against Arsenal in the Premier League and Fenerbahçe in the Champions League. Palace’s own difficult start adds urgency for the hosts, making Sunday’s meeting an important opportunity for both clubs before the international break. For Liverpool, the immediate question is how Iraola balances attacking ambition with midfield control—not whether a confirmed line-up has already settled the debate.
