Liverpool are sitting at the top of the table after the first week of matches during the Premier League season. The Reds hammered West Ham in their first match, and that has them off to a great start in terms of goal differential. In Monday night’s primetime game, Liverpool will take on a Crystal Palace side that also picked up a win in their first match. Each club would love to pick up another three points here.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Selhurst Park in Selhurst at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, August 20, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool -227
Crystal Palace +544
Draw +377
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Picking up points on the road is essential for mid-table clubs that are looking to ensure their place in the top flight. That’s why it was important that Crystal Palace were able to get not just a result, but a win, in their season opener against Fulham. The Eagles were able to withstand Fulham’s continuous attacks in the first half until new acquisition Jeffrey Schlupp broke open the scoring with a lovely goal in the 41st minute. In the second half, Fulham dominated the possession and had a number of good chances once more, but Palace held firm in the back and salted the game away when Wilfried Zaha scored on the counterattack in the 79th minute. Crystal Palace held on for the 2-0 win from there.
Liverpool were superb in their opener against the Hammers. New acquisition Naby Keita quickly proved his worth by helping set up Mo Salah for the game’s first goal in the 19th minute, and the rout was on from there. Sadio Mane notched a brace thanks to being in the right place at the right time with goals bookending halftime, and Daniel Sturridge finished the 4-0 rout with a lovely tap-in off of a corner kick in the 88th minute.
Key Injuries
Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann is a long-term injury, and there is no timetable for his return. He tore his meniscus in January of last season, and he has been on the sidelines since that point. Forward Jordan Ayew is listed as questionable after coming over on a loan from Swansea, while midfielders Jonny Williams and Max Meyer are seen as doubtful. Forward Connor Wickham is doubtful as well with a calf strain.
The Reds have a long-term injury of their own in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox suffered a serious injury near the tail end of the year, and he might miss this whole campaign as he recovers. Defender Ragnar Klavan is out for this match because of a thigh injury, while both defender Joel Matip and reserve goalkeeper Simon Mignolet are questionable. Midfielder Dejan Lovren is doubtful for this one after picking up an injury in the season-opening win.
Player to Watch
Keita looked awfully impressive in his Liverpool debut. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, he made his presence felt in other ways. He constantly made runs that threatened the opposing back line, and he was putting his teammates in good position to succeed. Opposing defenses had crowded the box in order to keep Liverpool’s talented trio from scoring, but Keita can pull them apart with his speed and dribbling. That could make this the most productive offense in the Premier League this season.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Fulham may have been unable to convert on their numerous chances against Crystal Palace, but Liverpool won’t have that problem. The Reds are going to run roughshod on this back line, and that will make the over a great bet. Of course, that also means I’m going to take Liverpool for the side and on the goal line as well.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 3, Crystal Palace 1
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