Playing domestic matches around massive games in the Champions League knockout phase is difficult enough for teams in fantastic form. For Liverpool this season, it’s a near impossible task.
We saw this in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, which came hot on the heels of their 5-2 humbling by Real Madrid. The Reds delivered a tired-looking performance at Selhurst Park, generating their lowest expected goal total in league or Europe this season (per FBRef).
Jurgen Klopp made four changes to his starting XI for the trip to south east London, bringing Diogo Jota, Naby Keita, Joel Matip and James Milner into the side. Opta’s Michael Reid noted that this made the team the most experienced the German has ever selected for Liverpool, at least in terms of combined appearances for the club.
