Crystal Palace need to find a goal against Liverpool, and Pierre Sage must do it without two of his biggest attacking weapons.
Sunday’s meeting at Selhurst Park arrives with Jean-Philippe Mateta suspended and Ismaila Sarr still injured, leaving the Eagles searching for a way to trouble their visitors.
The pressure on Sage has grown after three successive Premier League defeats without scoring, and Palace have conceded nine times during that run, a grim combination for a team already in the relegation zone.
There was at least a show of resistance on Thursday.
Daichi Kamada’s late equaliser earned a 1-1 Europa League draw against Hoffenheim after Palace had been reduced to 10 men. Sage now needs that determination to produce something in the league.
Liverpool represent a considerable step-up, especially given their record away from Anfield.
Andoni Iraola’s side have collected 10 points on their league travels this season, a total bettered only by Arsenal. Palace will need more than a lively opening to keep them uncomfortable.
Sage’s selection up front will be particularly interesting.
Jørgen Strand Larsen is available, with the manager believing he can manage between 60 and 75 minutes. Eddie Nketiah is another option, and Sage has pointed to his ability to operate behind a striker as well.
There is also a happy memory for Nketiah to draw on, as his stoppage-time winner secured Palace’s 2-1 home victory over Liverpool in September 2025.
Repeating that outcome would be a huge boost before the international break.
Sarr will not return until after that pause because of his groin problem, making an immediate solution from within the squad essential.
Axel Disasi is available again after missing the European match, giving Sage another defensive option as he tries to stop Palace conceding cheap goals against strong opposition.
Palace have enough reasons to see Sunday as an opportunity, but the recent shortage of goals leaves little room for wastefulness when chances arrive.
The longer the current difficulties continue, the more attention will turn towards how the squad might be improved in January.
Crystal Palace eye Conor Gallagher reunion but face Tottenham obstacle
One possible addition would bring a familiar face back to Selhurst Park.
Football Insider’s Callum O’Connell reports that Palace are eyeing Conor Gallagher and could revisit a move if Tottenham make him available.
The Eagles wanted him before his move to Spurs in January, and he reportedly remains highly rated within the club.
Gallagher’s previous Palace spell gives that interest an obvious foundation, winning the club’s Player of the Season award during his 21/22 loan from Chelsea and leaving supporters with plenty of reason to remember him fondly.
His current situation has encouraged renewed speculation, with Football Insider reporting that he has started only one of Tottenham’s last six Premier League matches.
Leeds and Everton are also linked with an interest, so Palace could have company if an opportunity develops.
There is a significant obstacle, though.
The same report says Spurs are unlikely to sanction a January exit because Gallagher still has a role in Roberto De Zerbi’s plans. Meanwhile, it is also believed that Gallagher is on a seismic £200,000-per-week deal right now.
