Crystal Palace face another big test in the Premier League this Sunday as they host Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool in a huge clash at Selhurst Park. 

Palace produced another dismal performance in midweek against Hoffenheim, but were fortunate to come away with a point after a late equaliser courtesy of Daichi Kamada. 

Now, Palace need a response, because with the international break following this game, Pierre Sage could well be sacked if Palace fail to play well once again. 

But what is the latest in terms of squad fitness and injury news, and what sort of lineup can Crystal Palace fans expect?

Palace made one late change to their starting eleven on Thursday, with Axel Disasi dropping out of the starting eleven to be replaced by Honest Ahanor. Whilst Sage refused to explain the reasoning behind that decision, he did confirm after the game that Disasi would return to the squad this weekend. 

There were reports that Disasi had been late to a team meeting which had triggered this decision from Sage, but those suggestions have not been confirmed by the manager, only reported by the likes of talkSPORT.

That decision undoubtedly impacted Palace’s performance on Thursday. They would have trained all week with Disasi at the centre of the three, and then had a last minute change of structure. The reality was that it saw another game pass by where Palace failed to put out a consistent back three, which is without doubt contributing to the defensive struggles. 

One of the areas of contention for Pierre Sage is up front, and whilst usually the three options would cause somewhat of a selection headache, one player has ruled himself out already.

Jean-Philippe Mateta will of course miss the game through suspension. Palace had looked to appeal the red card the Frenchman received last weekend, but were unsuccessful, Mateta serving the first of his three game suspension in this game. 

What makes that far from ideal is the fitness issues that are currently impacting Jørgen Strand Larsen, who remained on the bench in midweek. After the game, Sage spoke about the Norwegian's fitness. 

“He didn’t play today because the scenario of the game was not positive for him to have the possibility to let him play. But I think he’s able to play 60, 75 and with the head and the stamina, maybe he can push this.”

Strand Larsen staying on the bench for the entirety of the game midweek suggests that he may well start against the Reds. 

If Strand Larsen cannot manage an entire game, Palace will have to turn to Eddie Nketiah, who came off the bench to little effect on Thursday. 

Ismaïla Sarr will still be out as well, as the Senegalese forward targets a return after the international break. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also unfit, but there could be a return to the squad for Cheick Doucouré who missed the Conference League game as he’s not a part of the squad. 

Continued disruption will make it difficult for Sage to finally settle on his side, as he continues to fight against the odds to prove his worth and keep his job. 

Dean Henderson appears to be returning close to full fitness, and despite an error which led to Palace conceding just seven minutes in on Thursday, the England international will surely start again in what is a huge game for Palace and Pierre Sage. 

With that in mind, here is the RoundTable predicted XI.

Dean Henderson; Anan Khalaili, Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards, Axel Disasi, Tyrick Mitchell; Adam Wharton, Quinten Timber; Daichi Kamada, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Yéremy Pino.