The next Premier League meeting between Crystal Palace and Liverpool is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Anfield, with a projected kick-off time of 3:00 PM BST. During the current 2025/26 campaign, Crystal Palace has enjoyed a remarkable run against the Reds, securing a historic 2–1 victory at Selhurst Park in September 2025 followed by a dominant 3–0 win at Anfield in the Carabao Cup fourth round on October 29, 2025. This season’s dominance by the South London side began as early as August 2025, when the Eagles claimed the FA Community Shield by defeating Liverpool 3–2 on penalties following a 2–2 draw at Wembley Stadium.
Recent Results and 2025/26 Form
The 2025 Community Shield Clash
On August 10, 2025, Crystal Palace signaled their intent for the season by lifting the FA Community Shield at Wembley.
- Match Recap: After a thrilling 2–2 draw featuring goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr, the match went to a shootout.
- Outcome: Dean Henderson’s heroics in goal secured a 3–2 penalty victory, marking Oliver Glasner’s first silverware with the club.
Premier League: Palace 2-1 Liverpool
In their first league meeting of the season on September 27, 2025, the Eagles extended their unbeaten streak with a dramatic late winner.
- Key Performers: Ismaïla Sarr opened the scoring early, but a late Federico Chiesa equalizer seemed to have rescued a point for Arne Slot’s side.
- The Winner: Eddie Nketiah struck in the 97th minute to secure all three points for Palace, handing Liverpool one of their few league defeats in 2025.
Carabao Cup: Anfield Silence
Palace traveled to Anfield on October 29, 2025, for a fourth-round cup tie and produced their most dominant performance against the Reds in years.
- Scoring Summary: A brace from Ismaïla Sarr and a clinical finish from Yéremy Pino resulted in a 3–0 away win.
- Managerial Impact: Oliver Glasner was praised for his tactical setup, while Arne Slot faced heavy criticism for his squad rotation during a congested fixture list.
2026 Match Preview and Head-to-Head
Historic Head-to-Head Record
Despite Palace’s recent 2025/26 dominance, Liverpool historically holds the upper hand in this fixture.
- Total Wins: Liverpool has recorded 31 wins compared to Crystal Palace’s 12 victories in major competitions.
- Goal Tally: The Reds have scored over 110 goals in this matchup, while Palace has consistently hovered around the 50-goal mark.
The Legend of “Crystanbul”
No discussion of this rivalry is complete without mentioning May 5, 2014, a night that arguably cost Liverpool a Premier League title.
- The Collapse: Liverpool led 3–0 with just 11 minutes remaining at Selhurst Park.
- The Comeback: A quickfire double from Dwight Gayle and a long-range effort from Damien Delaney saw Palace claw back to a -3-3 draw.
- The Aftermath: The result left Luis Suárez in tears and effectively handed the title to Manchester City, cementing the match’s nickname “Crystanbul.”
Tactics: Glasner vs. Slot
The 2026 clash at Anfield will be a tactical chess match between two of the most innovative coaches in European football.
- Slot’s Philosophy: Liverpool relies on high-possession and quick transitions through midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
- Glasner’s Counter: Palace has found success using a high-intensity press and the physical presence of Jean-Philippe Mateta to disrupt Liverpool’s center-backs.
Team News and Key Players
Liverpool Injury Update 2026
Arne Slot has had to navigate several significant absences during the 2025/26 campaign.
- Defensive Blow: Center-back Giovanni Leoni is ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
- Returning Stars: Striker Alexander Isak and winger Federico Chiesa are expected to be at full fitness for the April meeting.
Palace Squad Strength
Following the sale of Marc Guéhi to Manchester City in early 2026, the Eagles have relied on new defensive partnerships.
- New Arrivals: Maxence Lacroix has stepped up as the leader of the backline, showing impressive form in recent London derbies.
- Attacking Threat: Ismaïla Sarr remains the “Red Killer,” having scored in three separate matches against Liverpool in late 2025.
Practical Information and Planning
April 25, 2026: Anfield Logistics
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM BST (Subject to TV broadcast changes).
- Tickets: Members ballot registration typically closes six months in advance; resale tickets can reach prices of £150 – £400.
- Transport: Fans are advised to use the “Soccerbus” from Sandhills Station or the 917 bus service from Liverpool City Centre.
Tactical Analysis: The 3-0 Anfield Blueprint
Neutralizing the Slot Pivot
In the October 2025 Carabao Cup meeting, Palace successfully dismantled Liverpool’s buildup play by targeting Ryan Gravenberch.
- The Shadow Mark: Oliver Glasner utilized Eddie Nketiah in a deeper “false 10” role to man-mark the Dutch midfielder, cutting off the supply line to Liverpool’s wingers.
- Result: Liverpool was forced to play long balls into the channels, where Palace’s Maxence Lacroix dominated in the air, winning 90% of his duels.
The Ismaïla Sarr Exploitation
Ismaïla Sarr’s performance at Anfield has become the stuff of legend for Palace fans, specifically how he targeted the space behind Liverpool’s high defensive line.
- Vulnerability: With Trent Alexander-Arnold often inverted into midfield, Sarr exploited the vacated right-flank space, leading to two of the three goals.
- Pace Discrepancy: Sarr’s top speed of 36.5 km/h during the match was the highest recorded at Anfield in the 2025/26 season, highlighting a major athletic advantage on the counter-attack.
The Fan’s Guide to Anfield (Away Day)
Best Away-Friendly Pubs
For Crystal Palace fans traveling to Merseyside, choosing the right pre-match spot is essential for a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.
- The Arkles: Located right next to the away end, this is the traditional haunt for visiting supporters; it gets incredibly busy, so arrive at least three hours before the 3:00 PM kick-off.
- The Sandon: Historically where Liverpool FC was founded, it offers several rooms and often hosts away fans in a segregated area with large screens and a great selection of local ales.
Navigating the Stadium
Anfield has undergone significant expansion, and the away section is located in the Anfield Road Stand.
- The View: Following the completion of the upper tier in late 2024, the away section offers improved sightlines, though fans in the lower rows may still experience restricted views during goalmouth action.
- Cashless Venue: It is important to remember that Anfield is a fully cashless stadium; all kiosks for food and drink require card or mobile payments.
2026 Season Finale Predictions
Final Table Projections
Based on current form and the strength of the remaining fixtures, the April 25th clash is a “must-win” for both clubs for different reasons.
- Liverpool (Title Race): A loss to Palace in April could see Liverpool fall 5 points behind Manchester City, effectively ending their title hopes.
- Crystal Palace (European Push): With the Eagles currently in 7th place, a result at Anfield would bolster their chances of securing a UEFA Conference League spot for the 2026/27 season.
Predicted Lineups for April 25, 2026
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Luis Díaz; Alexander Isak. Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Riad; Muñoz, Wharton, Doucouré, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta.
Practical Information and Planning
Travel and Accommodation Tips
- Trains: Direct services from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Book early to avoid “Match Day” price hikes.
- Hotels: For a premium experience, the Hope Street Hotel is a favorite, while the Titanic Hotel at Stanley Dock offers more space for larger groups of traveling fans.
Matchday Checklist
- Tickets: Ensure your digital ticket is downloaded to your Apple or Google Wallet before reaching the turnstiles to avoid connectivity issues.
- Security: Small bags (A4 size or smaller) are permitted, but expect rigorous searches at the Anfield Road entrance.
FAQs
Who is the referee for the April 2026 game?
The PGMOL typically announces referee appointments five days before the fixture.
What is the “Soccerbus”?
It is a dedicated shuttle service that runs from Sandhills Station directly to Anfield on matchdays, free for those with a valid rail ticket.
Has Crystal Palace ever won three games against Liverpool in one season?
If Palace wins on April 25, 2026, it will be the first time in history they have beaten Liverpool three times in a single competitive season (following their Sept 2025 league win and Oct 2025 cup win).
Where is the best place to park near Anfield?
Parking is extremely limited. The St Domingo Car Park is an official option, but it must be pre-booked weeks in advance.
Is there a fan zone at Anfield?
Yes, the Anfield Fan Zone is located on Anfield Road and features live music, former player appearances, and food stalls starting four hours before kick-off.
What is Adam Wharton’s role in the Palace midfield?
s of 2026, Wharton is the “Metronome” of the team, leading the Premier League in progressive passes completed under pressure.
Will Mohamed Salah play in the April 2026 game?
Yes, Salah remains a vital part of Liverpool’s front three in 2026 and currently leads the league’s assist charts.
How many fans does the away end at Anfield hold?
The allocation for Premier League games is approximately 3,000 fans.
Is the game on 4K/UHD?
If the game is selected by Sky Sports, it will be available in Ultra HD on Sky Sports Main Event.
What is the weather usually like in Liverpool in late April?
Expect “changeable” conditions, with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and a high probability of light showers.
When is the next Crystal Palace vs Liverpool game?
The next match is set for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Anfield.
Who won the last game between Liverpool and Palace?
Crystal Palace won the most recent encounter 3–0 in the Carabao Cup on October 29, 2025.
What was the score of the 2025 Community Shield?
It was a 2–2 draw, with Crystal Palace winning 3–2 on penalties.
How many goals has Ismaïla Sarr scored against Liverpool this season?
Ismaïla Sarr has scored four goals against Liverpool across the Community Shield, Premier League, and Carabao Cup in the 2025/26 season.
Is Alexander Isak fit to play for Liverpool?
Yes, as of January 2026, Alexander Isak has returned to the starting lineup and is expected to lead the line in April.
What happened in “Crystanbul”?
In 2014, Crystal Palace came back from 3–0 down to draw 3–3 against Liverpool, effectively ending the Reds’ title hopes.
Where can I watch the 2026 Liverpool vs Palace game?
The game will likely be broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports in the UK, depending on the final TV picks.
Has Arne Slot ever beaten Oliver Glasner?
In the 2024/25 season, Slot’s Liverpool beat Glasner’s Palace 1–0, but they are currently winless against them in the 2025/26 season.
How do I get to Anfield for the match?
The best way is via public transport from Liverpool Lime Street followed by the 917 bus or a taxi.
Is there a dress code for Liverpool hospitality?
Most lounges require a smart-casual dress code, meaning no tracksuits or away colors are permitted.
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