Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted a draw for Liverpool’s clash with Crystal Palace on Monday (20 August).
The two sides go head to head at Selhurst Park, with the Reds hoping to build upon their impressive 4-0 victory in their season opener against West Ham United at Anfield.
Liverpool cruised to an easy win after goals from Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Daniel Sturridge.
Match of the Day pundit Lawrenson has tipped the Reds to share the spoils with the Eagles on Monday, predicting a 1-1 draw in Jurgen Klopp’s second clash of the campaign.
“West Ham were wide open against Liverpool last week, but the Reds will not get the same treatment in South London,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport, “Eagles manager Roy Hodgson will not give them any space – it is a big part of the way his teams play – and his side will keep this game very tight.
“Liverpool were impressive against the Hammers, even if you take into account they were up against quite ordinary opposition, but it will be interesting to see how they get on in a much more competitive game.”
OPINION
It is surprising that Lawrenson has predicted that both sides will take away a point in this match, especially after the way Liverpool dominated the Hammers in the season opener. Palace have the likes of Wilfried Zaha who can cause problems for the Reds, but their defence will be able to handle his attacking runs. The Eagles defeated new boys Fulham 2-0 in their first match, but Liverpool will prove to be even tougher opposition for them, and they will struggle to create opportunities in this match. Klopp’s midfield will be too strong for them, and if Naby Keita runs the show like he did the other day, then Palace are in for a long night. Liverpool are likely to score more than one goal in this fixture, and it does appear that Lawrenson is being too generous in this prediction. Palace are capable of beating the drop this season, but overcoming Liverpool will be a momentous task in the mean time – however, Klopp must not be too complacent about a side who beat the likes of Chelsea last season.
