'Henderson stays as Minamino comes back in'
Paul Gorst: After Manchester City’s 12-game winning run came to an end at Southampton on Saturday, the door has been re-opened ever so slightly for Liverpool.
To stand any chance of hauling back Pep Guardiola’s side though, they simply must take advantage of games like this.
A 7-0 Selhurst shellacking was the order of the day the last time the Reds went south of the river but Jurgen Klopp is right to expect a much more competitive game today.
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Alisson Becker returns in goal behind a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson.
In midfield, I’m tempted to stick with Jordan Henderson over James Milner and Fabinho is a must in there. That third spot can go to Curtis Jones, who has been impressive lately.
I’m dropping out Kaide Gordon for Takumi Minamino too with Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino encouraged to continue where they left off at Arsenal on Thursday night.
My team: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Minamino, Firmino, Jota.
'Team selection depends on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain'
Ian Doyle: And breathe.
After an extremely hectic two months, most Liverpool players can put their feet up after today for a little while.
The winter break comes at a good time with the Reds, while not exactly running out of players, nevertheless undoubtedly welcoming the return of several players.
First up, though, is a long trip to Crystal Palace.
Alisson Becker should return in goal and, as tempting as it is to give Kostas Tsimikas a start, it's Andy Robertson at left-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold continues on the other side of the defence.
At centre-back, concerns over Joel Matip mean Ibrahima Konate can come in alongside Virgil van Dijk.
The rest of the team depends on whether Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is available.
Let's assume he isn't. Fabinho and Curtis Jones must start in midfield and, while Jordan Henderson has been way off the pace of late, he still looks a better bet than James Milner at the moment, the veteran also struggling. Tyler Morton? It's a possibility.
Up front, Kaide Gordon can be an option off the bench, meaning Takumi Minamino starts but on the right flank, with Diogo Jota left and Roberto Firmino down the centre.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Minamino, Firmino, Jota.
'No chances taken but Gordon keeps his place'
Joe Rimmer: And suddenly there's a glimmer of hope for Liverpool in the title race.
I mean, who isn't doing the maths? 12 points behind. Two games in hand. Two wins takes it so six.
Then win at the Etihad and it's game on..
All wishful thinking, but it does mean that no slip-ups can be tolerated at Selhurst Park.
And it means pushing the likes of Andy Robertson, a little further. In other circumstances I'd have been tempted to put Kostas Tsimikas in but no chances are being taken here.
The same goes for Jordan Henderson, who hasn't quite been at his best but is needed ahead of the likes of James Milner and Tyler Morton today. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could also be an option if fit.
I'd be tempted to keep Kaide Gordon in the side. I prefer the balance of the attack with him in it and Takumi Minamino is then a good option off the bench.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Gordon, Firmino, Jota.
