Liverpool will be looking for their first win of the 2022/23 Premier League season when they play Crystal Palace on Monday.
An underwhelming display from Liverpool in their first game of the new campaign saw the Reds coming from behind twice to snatch a 2-2 draw with Fulham. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice for the newly promoted side, whilst Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah scored for the Reds.
Nunez impressed off the bench against the Cottagers, with the Uruguayan grabbing a goal and assist in his second-half cameo. Liverpool have won their last 12 consecutive games against Palace, and Klopp will be hoping to make it 13 on Monday to kickstart their season.
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Thiago was forced off against Fulham with a thigh injury and the Spaniard is now set to miss a few weeks of action, Joel Matip is also expected to be absent from the clash. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Caoimhin Kelleher, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Ibrahim Konate are all ruled out of Monday's game, whilst Kostas Tsimikas is a doubt.
So, what will the score be this weekend between Liverpool and Crystal Palace? We used FIFA 22 to get a score prediction...
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace score predicted by simulation
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 22 and updated the squads with the latest transfers. Due to FIFA 22 not having the latest kits, both sides lined up in the kits from the 2021/22 season, whilst new signing player numbers may not be correct.
We predict that Klopp's side could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliot, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
We predict that the Eagles could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Eze, Doucoure, Schlupp; Ayew, Mateta, Zaha.
Into the starting XI for the first time in the Premier League, Nunez started off strong for the Reds, causing lots of trouble for the Palace backline. The striker linked up well with Luis Diaz early on as the latter tested the 'keeper, but it was Nunez who grabbed the opener for the Reds after 20 minutes.
Fabinho rifled the ball forward into the feet of Nunez outside the box, and the striker turned and charged towards goal to continue the attack. The Uruguayan wasn't closed down by the Palace defence, allowing the striker to power an effort into the bottom corner for the lead.
Liverpool were on top, but a flurry of chances for Palace towards the end of the first half saw the Eagles find a surprise equaliser. Wilfred Zaha picked up possession on the left, cut in onto his right and curled a fantastic effort into the far corner of the net.
The goal was the final bit of action before the break. Liverpool came out in the second half full of energy once again, though some good goalkeeping denied Klopp's side the lead.
Diaz and Jordan Henderson tested Vicente Guaita, but the Spanish 'keeper was equal to their efforts. The pressure continued from Liverpool, and the Reds retook the lead with 10 minutes to go through Salah.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross into the box was met by substitute Roberto Firmino, but the Brazilian's header was well saved by Guaita. Fortunately for Liverpool, Salah was on hand to latch onto the parried save, firing the rebound into the net to win the game for Klopp's side.
FIFA 22 predicted final score: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace
Here are the full-time match stats.
FIFA 22 predicts that Liverpool's clash with Palace could prove a lot closer than expected, despite the Reds controlling the game. Goals from Salah and Nunez secured the win in the simulation, with the Egyptian scoring the winner in the second half.
What do you think the score will be between Liverpool and Crystal Palace on Monday? Let us know in the comments!
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