If £60m Liverpool player can repeat his Community Shield performance, they might just win today - opinion
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Liverpool have a tough away fixture at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace and will need a difference maker on their side to be victorious.
It has been the perfect start to the season for Arne Slot’s team in all competitions, with no defeats so far and a five-point Premier League lead over their rivals, which could be extended if results go their way.
Slot has made his team almost unstoppable so far this season, but has faced some rocky patches in games to get their deserved victories.
Before the Everton game last weekend, they had won four consecutive league games in the final 10 minutes of games, which was a record for the English top-flight.
The last time they faced Palace, Liverpool were beaten on penalties in the Community Shield, but there are some changes to that side from Wembley.
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
New signing Hugo Ekitike will not be available for the game after being sent off in the League Cup against Southampton, and Jeremie Frimpong is unlikely to start given his performance in the same competition this week.
Dominik Szoboszlai, however, will more than likely start this fixture after his masterclass performance last time around and will be a key player in securing the win for his side.
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The Hungarian has been a versatile player for Arne Slot this season, with the natural midfielder filling in at right-back and putting on some brilliant performances in the position.
But the centre of the park is where he shines, and it will likely be no different on Saturday after his Community Shield performance in August, where he assisted Frimpong’s goal and was an overall creative force.
Szoboszlai, during the game, launched six out of seven accurate long balls over the top of the Eagles’ defence, which allowed his team to move into space and find opportunities going forward.
This type of forward thinking is what will be needed to break down a solid defensive setup from Oliver Glasner’s side.
The 24-year-old also ended the game with an 87% pass accuracy, won the majority of his ground duels, and had two attempts on goal.
To say he is one of the most important players to be chosen for this game would be an understatement; it is a necessity that he is in this team, especially having been rested on Tuesday.
Not only will he be integral in gaining a win, but his partner in the midfield, Ryan Gravenberch, will also unlock more opportunities, given the great connection they have.
Gravenberch has proven himself to be one of the best in the No.
6 position with his recent performances, and his defensive capabilities, paired with his attacking threat, make him dangerous to any opposition.
With Szoboszlai there to support him, it could be tricky for Palace to take them out of the game, and it will cause them problems trying to create anything down the centre or defending opportunities coming towards their goal.
Slot will have to pick both, and either Florian Wirtz or Alexis Mac Allister can join them, but all that matters is that they start together.