Report & reaction: Palace and Liverpool play out entertaining draw

Summary:

• Palace unchanged from draw at Brentford
• Mateta latches onto loose backpass, but Alisson blocks chipped effort
• Jota heads against outside of the post from a tight angle
• Guéhi nods Olise free-kick narrowly wide in an open first-half
• Olise comes close to finding the top corner after checking inside
• Mateta’s swept finish glances the crossbar as Palace finish the half strongly
• HT: Palace 0-0 Liverpool
• Salah curls against the bar early in second-half
• Guaita turns close-range Matip effort round the post
• Palace grow into the period and threaten through Olise
• Edouard and Eze on for closing stages
• With time running out, Gakpo misses one-on-one with Guaita
• Palace finish the stronger with a succession of set-piece deliveries
• FT: Palace 0-0 Liverpool

While neither side will perhaps have been content with their recent results, in the build-up to kick-off, Patrick Vieira highlighted the positives from Palace’s displays, with only a killer touch missing from last weekend’s 1-1 draw at long-unbeaten Brentford.

Perhaps energised by their last-minute disappointment that day, an unchanged Palace XI made a strong start against Jürgen Klopp’s Reds and, pressuring their visitors high up the pitch, enjoyed the first clear chance of the match.

Liverpool’s lack of confidence came to the fore as the hard-working Mateta latched onto a loose backpass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. With only Alisson to beat, but forced into an immediate finish, the Frenchman's scooped effort with his weaker foot was blocked by the Brazilian 'keeper.

An open first-half saw both sides threaten consistently from set-pieces, and it was one such moment which led to Liverpool becoming the first team to strike the woodwork. A half-cleared free-kick allowed Joel Matip to loop a cross back across goal, where Diogo Jota was waiting unmarked at the far post – but the forward headed against the outside of the post from a narrow angle.

Seconds later and Palace ought to have taken the lead, a delightful set-piece delivery from Olise’s left foot finding the head of Marc Guéhi. Arcing his run to meet the flight of the ball, and perhaps unsighted initially, the Palace skipper nodded just wide of the top-left corner.

Having recorded the assist for Eberechi Eze’s strike at Brentford the previous week, provider nearly turned goalscorer on the half-hour mark for Palace, as Olise’s in-swinging delivery only just evaded that same top corner.

And with Palace well on top as the first-half drew to a close, their best opportunity arrived on the stroke of the whistle: Jeffrey Schlupp picked Alexander-Arnold’s pocket out wide and rolled the ball towards Mateta on the six-yard line.

The Frenchman was in an awkward position with a defender approaching, and opted for a left-footed swept finish, but put too much purchase on the ball and struck against the crossbar.

It was to Palace’s credit that they went into the half-time break with fully justified feelings they ought to have been in front.

But it was the visitors who started the second period the brighter. A low ball in was struck goalwards by Jota, the rebound off Joachim Andersen falling invitingly for Salah, who curled a signature effort off the underside of the crossbar – and, thankfully, it bounced away.

Yet Liverpool were beginning to turn the screw, and came close again moments later when Matip was first to an in-swinging corner. The defender headed straight at Mateta from close range and, picking up the rebound, prodded a weak effort goalwards which still threatened enough to force Guaita to punch round his near post.

After weathering the early storm, Palace began to grow into the second-half, an increasingly-influential Olise showcasing his full range of tricks to win a number of set-pieces which Liverpool – more and more under the cosh – just about dealt with.

The pace of the game began to fade as the half wore on, but the Palace players – roared on by a Selhurst faithful in fine form – continued to show plenty of grit and running, forcing several Liverpool players into tactical fouls and several yellow cards.

Perhaps the clearest chance of the final ten minutes went the way of the Reds’ Cody Gakpo  – slipped through by Salah – but the onrushing presence of Guaita saw the Dutchman prod his finish well wide.

The game deserved a goal for its otherwise-entertaining nature, and Palace nearly found it with virtually the last kick as second-half substitute Eze whipped in another free-kick towards the head of Guéhi – but, this time, the Palace captain could not quite reach it.

Having held Liverpool for a second time this season, Palace can reflect on an overall positive display in which they created clear opportunities – but fell just short of finding the requisite finishing touch.

Palace: Guaita (GK), Clyne, Andersen, Guéhi, Mitchell, Doucouré, Lokonga, Olise, Ayew, Schlupp (Eze 70), Mateta (Edouard 70)

Subs: Whitworth (GK), Ward, Milivojevic, McArthur, Hughes, Richards, Ahamada,

Liverpool: Alisson (GK), Alexander-Arnold (Fabinho 71), van Dijk, Matip, Robertson, Henderson, Keïta (Elliott 46), Milner, Salah, Jota (Firmino 71), Gakpo (Bajcetic 85)

Subs: Kelleher (GK), Tsimikas, Williams, Jones, Carvalho

Thanks for joining us tonight

22:45

Thank you for joining our live blog from tonight's game.

We'll see you next at Villa Park a week today (Saturday 4 March) - COME ON PALACE!

Vieira: The only thing missing was a goal

22:40

Patrick Vieira was pleased with the overall nature of Crystal Palace’s display against Liverpool on Saturday, but admitted his only regret was the lack of a winning goal.

Roared on by a buoyant Selhurst crowd, the Eagles were on top in a first-half in which Jean-Philippe Mateta was denied by visiting goalkeeper Alisson and later hit the bar, and several other Palace players came close to opening the scoring.

Liverpool turned the tide marginally in the second-half, but Vieira was equally pleased with the manner in which his players stood up to that challenge.

The manager surmised: “I think it was a good game from our side. We played with a lot of intensity and discipline.

“ We started the game really well. In the first-half we had those opportunities which we didn’t take in the end, and in the second-half, they had a really good spell in the first 20 minutes when it was really difficult for us, but we managed to not concede a goal and that was important for us to deal with the difficult period.

“After that, I think we finished the game in a better way.”

Reflecting on his side’s missed opportunities, Vieira said: “This is one of the frustrations we have as a team: to create those chances and to not take them.

“Especially against teams like Liverpool, we knew it would be difficult to create chances, and we managed to do so. We didn’t take them, and this is something we have to improve [upon] and do better.

“I think it’s just about confidence. I work with them [the attackers] every day and I see the quality they have. All of them can finish, all of them can score goals, and it’s just about me putting training in place to build that confidence. I don’t have any doubt about the quality that they have to finish those chances.”

One player for whom Vieira reserved particular praise was Michael Olise, the manager saying: “He was really important for us when we were in possession, and he created those opportunities for us. That was, I believe one of his most complete games.

“Even defensively he was working really well. He was smart with the way he was defending. He is growing, and that’s really good for us.”

But Vieira was also keen to highlight the overall performance of his players, noting: “You know when you play against Liverpool, your 11 players on the field have to perform because of the quality that they have.

“When you look from Vince [Guaita] to Mateta up front,  we worked well. We worked hard as a team and we were well-disciplined.

“The plan that we had, I believe the players executed really well today – the only thing that was missing was to score that goal.”

Guéhi: It’s a performance we can be proud of

22:10

Marc Guéhi feels Crystal Palace’s performance on Saturday evening warranted their positive point against Liverpool – and arguably all three.

The defender was one of a number of Palace players to come close to breaking the deadlock at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles enjoying several clear chances to do so, particularly in an impressive first-half.

Yet with neither side able to break the deadlock in the end, Guéhi remained proud of another well-earned Premier League point against yet another UEFA Champions League-chasing side.

The defender told Sky Sports: "I think the team did well. It’s a performance we can be proud of.

“Liverpool are always a tough side to play against. There's a little bit of disappointment because we felt we could have nicked it.

"We had a good opportunity in the first-half and we carried that on in the second-half. If we can continue like this, it’s a good thing.”

Highlighting the positives of the display, Guéhi added: "I think in parts of the game we showed good composure to stay on the ball. It was a bit frantic at times, but in the right moments we managed to control possession.

"When you play against Liverpool, regardless of the form they're in, it’s positive to get a point. It's great to do that in front of our own fans.

"I feel sometimes we could do a little bit better, but the Premier League’s a tough league. I think it’s important that we build on this performance. [The win] will come – the boys are working extremely hard.”

Full-time

21:36

Andersen is booked for his post-match protests - but that's that, 0-0 here. at Selhurst Park.

A performance we can once again be proud of - just that ruthless touch deserting us at the last - but a creditable point.

90+4 mins

Ahhhh, the initial free-kick somehow evades Guehi. Mitchell puts it back in, Mateta's header deflects out... corner...

Robertson clears the corner at the near post... out for another...

No, that's full-time! Palace player are furious they didn't get the chance to take it.

90+3 mins

Ayew turns Robertson and it's a free-kick. to Palace near the corner flag. Yellow card for Robertson, whose ill-timed challenge brought the forward down.

This is it... Eze to take...

Three added minutes

90 mins

The added bustle of Edouard up front looks to have got the better of Matip, but the referee gives a free-kick Liverpool's way.

The visitors then win a free-kick on the halfway line which they piump in long, but Andersen and Lokonga combine to clear.

87 mins

Doucouré is down with cramp, having once again covered some yards, but thankfully returns to his feet.

Is there time for one last chance in this one? The Selhurst faithful certainly think so as they roar their team forwards.

82 mins

Palace break and it's another cynical foul from the visitors, Matip bringing down Ayew from an almost identical position to Fabinho. Same result: yellow card

Eze stands over it again... Fabinho heads the cross to Henderson, who whacks clear.

Palace recycle possession, but Mitchell's cross is blocked out for a throw by Milner.

81 mins

Phew.

Salah slips in Gakpo and, with Guaita diving at the Dutchman's feet, his prodded finish sails wide

Thank you, Motty

77 mins

A wonderful moment as all four corners of the ground rise to applaud the late, great John Motson, whose work touched every football fan in the country.

76 mins

Cynical from Fabinho, who chops down Ayew - who'd turned wonderfully in midfield and was driving towards goal. Yellow card for the Liverpool man.

Free-kick 35 yards from goal - Eze is standing over it. He'll surely look to deliver.. he instead exchanges passes with Olise, and when the ball is half-cleared, Doucouré lashes over from range.

75 mins

Change of shape for Palace as Olise has moved further forwards to accompany Edouard up top in a 4-4-2.

Ayew's moved out right and Eze's cutting in from the left.

Double substitution for Palace

70 mins

Double change for Palace: Edouard and Eze on, Mateta and Schlupp come off.

Alexander-Arnold is off for Liverpool, as is Jota: on come Fabinho and Firmino.

67 mins

Olise: brilliant.

The No.7 is seemingly running out of grass but does superbly to round Jordan Henderson and receive a shoulder to the back on the edge of the box. Free-kick and a yellow card to Liverpool's skipper.

It's a promising position to deliver from... but sadly, the delivery is straight at Elliott in the wall, and the danger passes.

65 mins

Olise has been excellent today too, and after skipping pass Jota on the outside right wing, nearly finds Mateta six yards out - but it's cleared.

He then wins a corner off Robertson, but Alisson claims the subsequent delivery.

63 mins

More like it from Palace in this second-half now, as Ayew and Schlupp both pick the ball up in promising positions, but can't quite pick out their man with their deliveries.

Doucouré is, typically, covering every blade of grass for Palace today - it's another imperious display from the midfielder, whose driving runs are proving a thorn in Liverpool's side.

56 mins

A couple of Liverpool corners - and a couple of Liverpool opportunities.

Firstly, Matip flicks a near-post header straight at Mateta - it hits his hand, but from very close range - and then the Cameroon defender sees his rebound effort turned round the post by Guaita.

Seconds later, Palace can't quite clear the delivery again, but Jota hammers it wide from a tight angle.

54 mins

Liverpool free-kick as Mitchell is adjudged to have fouled Elliott by the touchline.

Robertson and Alexander-Arnold stand over it...

It's Robertson who delivers but Clyne, thankfully, manages to hack clear at the second attempt.

Off the bar from Salah

49 mins

Straight up the other end and after Andersen blocks Jota's first-time effort, the ball breaks kindly for Salah, who curls one towards the top corner - and against the bar.

It bounces down but, thankfully, away from the Palace goalmouth.

48 mins

Half a chance for Palace as Ayew swings in a deep cross, Schlupp views with Alexander-Arnold - and ends up heading against the Liverpool defender's back.

Half-time change for Liverpool

46 mins

Elliott is on for Keïta for Liverpool - and the second-half is underway.

20:33

We'll be back in 15 minutes - but first, the best images from the first-half...

Half-time

20:32

After just a single minute of additional time, the referee sounds his whistle - and we're level at the break... but arguably should be ahead.

45 mins

Another nearly moment as Liverpool get caught out again near their own area, but this time Alisson beats Mateta to it and clears.

OFF THE BAR - MATETA!

41 mins

Ohhhhhh!

Schlupp picks the pocket of Alexander-Arnold and squares for Mateta, who's at an awkward angle and has to let it roll across his body with a defender in close pursuit.

He goes for the left-footed sweep on his less-favoured foot.. and hits the bar! Agonisingly close!

40 mins

Clyne loops a cross high towards the far post where Olise waits for it to drop before volleying across goal... deflects behind off Keïta!

Liverpool clear the corner at the third attempt and Salah looks to have found space in our box, but he's well held up by Mitchell and his curling effort is held by Guaita.

Close again!

37 mins

That left foot of Olise really is wand, and the No.7 cuts inside again to whip a ball towards the far post.

Mateta and Mitchell are interested in it, but it's going to evade them... and, by a fraction of a whisker, the top corner as well.

So close!

29 mins

Salah lays off to Alexander-Arnold who... blasts it straight into his own captain, Henderson - and it flies over. The home faithful enjoyed that...

26 mins

Hmm.

A long ball forwards is brought down by Jota on the chest, Clyne slides in on the edge of the 'D' and - in my eyes - seems to win the ball.

Referee Darren England disagrees and books the Palace No.17, and Alexander-Arnold will surely take a free-kick in a threatening position...

So close - Guéhi!

24 mins

Now Palace arguably should be ahead as Olise whips it in, the ball narrowly misses Schlupp's head but lands on Guéhi's - and his header, for all the world, looks top-corner bound.

Sadly, however, it floats just wide - but I repeat: there's space to be exploited here for the Eagles!

Jota hits the post

23 mins

After Olise brings down Gakpo, Palace struggle to clear the delivery into the box and Matip loops it towards Jota at the far post.

The striker is unmarked, but thankfully at an almost impossible angle, and hits the outside of the post with a delicate header. If it were on target, Guaita would surely have saved.

Up the other end of the pitch, and Keïta gets the first yellow card of the game after fouling Olise.

20 mins

Palace are getting closer.

We've had some really bright moments in the early exchanges and pressure from Olise looks to have forced Alisson into an error at the back, but the offside flag - when Clyne races in to prod it back to our No.7 - spares Liverpool blushes.

There's space out there to exploit...

18 mins

A palm-stinger from Diogo Jota, as Guéhi half-clears to the edge of the box and the Portuguese smashes it on the bounce goalwards - but thankfully straight at Guaita, who claims.

Big chance - Mateta!

13 mins

Ohh, it's a good opportunity for Palace to take the lead - but Alisson saves!

The visitors' passing at the ack is slack and Alexander-Arnold lays it off inadvertently to the Palace forward. Alisson is in close attention, however, and Mateta has no time to think - he attempts to dink the 'keeper from the edge of the box, but the Brazilian gets his body in the way.

A harder chance than it first appeared - but a clear one.

10 mins

First shot of the match and it goes to Liverpool, Gakpo picking the ball up deep, turning and feeding Salah just inside the box - but the Egyptian, cutting inside in typical fashion, drags an effort wide of Guaita's near post. Never really threatening, in all honesty.

It's been a solid start from Palace, with Lokonga showcasing his passing range in midfield.

7 mins

It's been a measured start by both sides in south London, I would suggest.

Liverpool have had the vast majority of possession but not really in any areas where they can hurt Palace.

The Eagles, meanwhile, look to be lining up in a 4-4-1-1 formation early doors - Olise on the right, Schlupp on the left, and Ayew sitting just behind Mateta up-front.

Kick-off

1 min

Michael Olise gets us underway at Selhurst. Here we go!

Smart defending from Guéhi inside the first minute as the skipper tracks Salah's run all the way and clears.

19:44

The two captains, James Milner and Marc Guéhi, line up in the centre-circle to reiterate the message: Football Stands Together.

Our thoughts remain with the people of Ukraine.

19:42

Never tire of the sound of Glaaad Aaaall Ooooverrrr ringing around Selhurst Park!

A spectacular night under the lights lies in store as the Premier League anthem sounds, the two teams line up, and we get set for yet another big one in SE25.

LET'S GO, PALACE!

Warm-ups wound down...

19:40

19:35

And with just 10 minutes to go until kick-off – the manager’s thoughts:

“The results are what they are, so that means we’re not doing everything in the right way. We need to perform better, we need to perform better for 95 minutes with better concentration, and to try to turn things around.

“On the other side we have to look at the performances, and at times we’ve been unlucky not to take the three points, but again we still have work to do to allow ourselves to win those games.

“We need to be more ruthless. In a game there are good and bad periods and it’s all about how you manage those periods. In our good periods, we were not ruthless enough to score that second goal at Brentford to allow ourselves to breathe a bit more, and when you don’t take those chances against any team in the Premier League, you can concede goals.

“We need to be brave, well-disciplined and to play as a team, in possession and out of possession. We have quality and know we can defend well, but at the same time, it’s important for us to be brave, put them under pressure and take our chances.

On Zaha’s fitness: “When there are hamstring issues you want to be 100% sure, you don’t want to take any risk, and the best decision was to give him another week training with the team, and then he should be okay for the week after.”

19:25

20 minutes to go until kick-off - so on the occasion of his first start for Palace at Selhurst, let's hear from Sambi Lokonga, who's been speaking to Sky Sports...

“I think it’ll be a good game. I think with the support behind us, we could win, because they are loud, so they’ll help us to get the extra energy we need for this big game.

“It’s a nice group and nice people are looking after me, so it’s a nice place to be.

“My job is to try to win with the team. Liverpool are still Liverpool, even if they’re not doing as good at the moment. They still have really good players so we’re looking forward to playing this game.”

19:15

Next weekend, the Palace for Life Foundation is once again challenging fans to push themselves, and raise valuable funds for young people in the community, by taking on a unique cycling challenge.

Following on from the success of previous years, Bike to Villa – a 140-mile cycle ride from Selhurst to Villa Park – will take place on Friday, 3rd March and Saturday, 4th March 2023.

Once the ride is completed, everyone taking part will receive a ticket to the Eagles’ away fixture against Aston Villa, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT on the Saturday.

Cyclists will depart from Selhurst Park at 08:30 GMT on the Friday, and will also be driven back to Selhurst Park – along with their bikes – after the final whistle the following day.

An away day like no other, Bike to Villa offers participants the chance to get to know fellow Palace fans, complete a landmark challenge, and help to transform the lives of young south Londoners in the process – but it relies on your donations to really make the difference.

Get behind your fellow Palace fans making the gruelling journey by donating here.

19:05

Sale now on at the Palace store

18:55

A fantastic sale is now on at Crystal Palace’s Official Club Shop, in-store and online!

A wide range of Palace gear and merchandise is now available at cut-price discounts, including clothing, decorations, gadgets, games – and much, much more!

Whether you’re looking for a new way to show your love of the red and blue, or just in the hunt for a bargain, this is the perfect Palace sale for you.

But you’ll have to act fast: these discounts only last as long as the stock does. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

And remember, Gold, Junior Eagles Gold, Junior Eagles and International Members, as well as Season Ticket+ holders, can take advantage of 10% off all Club Shop purchases, helping you save even further. Click here to view our Memberships.

Don’t miss your chance and make the most of our sale here!

Team news is in

18:45

The manager names the same side which came within seconds of ending Brentford’s long unbeaten Premier League run at the Gtech Community Stadium, only to be held to a 1-1 draw in the dying seconds.

Palace are bidding to record a first league win over the Reds since April 2017, but did secure a 1-1 draw against them at Anfield in the return fixture in August.

Joel Ward returns from injury to make the bench, while James McArthur – whom Vieira confirmed had trained well during the week as he bids to step up his long-term recovery – would make his 250th Palace appearance should he return tonight.

Should their shape also prove unchanged, Palace are likely to deploy a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Joachim Andersen, captain Marc Guéhi and Tyrick Mitchell in front of goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

Cheick Doucouré and Sambi Lokonga will anchor the midfield, feeding attacking quartet Michael Olise, Jordan Ayew, Jeffrey Schlupp and Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of them.

Palace: Guaita (GK), Clyne, Andersen, Guéhi, Mitchell, Doucouré, Lokonga, Olise, Ayew, Schlupp, Mateta

Subs: Whitworth (GK), Ward, Milivojevic, Eze, McArthur, Hughes, Edouard, Richards, Ahamada,

Liverpool: Alisson (GK), Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Matip, Robertson, Henderson, Keïta, Milner, Salah, Jota, Gakpo

Subs: Kelleher (GK), Tsimikas, Williams Fabinho, Bajcetic, Jones, Elliott, Carvalho, Firmino

Reserved for a legend

18:43

18:40

Five minutes to go until team news time!

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, manager Patrick Vieira discussed the availability of several players.

Asked about Wilfried Zaha and Tyrick Mitchell, the manager responded: “Both of them trained with the team, and Wilfried is getting better and better.

“He had his last training session this morning and we have to wait until tomorrow to see the reaction that he will have or not.”

Discussing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, defender Nathan Ferguson and midfielder James McArthur, Vieira added: “Sam will not be involved – he will be out with a calf injury for the next couple of weeks.

“Nathan played 45 minutes with the Under-21s [on Monday] and he trained [for] the week with the team so is making progress, and that’s really good for us.

“Macca has been really good. He’s been full training with the team this week, and he will be part of the squad.”

18:35

Earlier this week, Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish spoke to BBC Newsnight regarding the Government White Paper that proposes independent regulation of English football.

The Chairman said: “It’s unprecedented. We’ll be the only sporting industry to be regulated by Government.

“Of course, there are a lot of fantastic, broad brushstrokes in the press release and I’m sure in the White Paper – but the devil will be in the detail, and I think there’s a lot of very intense detail to work out how these things will work.

“Of course, this is fascinating, because the Government will be owning this now. They’ll be owning the industry, good and bad, and I don’t think they really understand how many gravitational pulls there are and how many different stakeholders there often are to satisfy.

“Generally, we all want a better game, and we have to think of this constructively and try and work with the Government to make it the best we can.”

Read about the Chairman’s full interview here.

Hughes fronts your matchday programme

18:25

Will Hughes discusses his love of all things 'old-school' in the Crystal Palace v Liverpool matchday programme.

In an in-depth interview, he reveals his distaste for social media platitudes, his competitive nature and how fatherhood has changed his perspective on the game he loves.

Also inside are features on the iconic Wright and Bright partnership, columns from Patrick Vieira, Luka Milivojevic and Steve Parish, and a look at new Academy signing Dylan Reid.

You can get your hands on the Liverpool programme from vendors in and around Selhurst Park for just £3.50. You can also order programmes online for delivery straight to your door. You’ll need to do this at least three days before the game.

Alternatively, you can read a digital version right now for £1.99 by clicking here or below.

Football Stands Together

18:15

An important message will also be reiterated tonight, after Friday (24th February, 2023) marked one year since the invasion of Ukraine.

To show our continued support for the people of Ukraine, both captains will be wearing yellow-and-blue armbands.

The message "Football Stands Together" will be on show on the Selhurst Park big screen, with yellow-and-blue perimeter LEDs.

A special yellow-and-blue cover design also fronts the matchday programme.

18:05

Supporters in attendance tonight are invited to take part in a minute's applause in the 77th minute of the fixture in tribute to the late, great John Motson.

The voice of English football for many a decade, Motson sadly passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday (23rd February, 2023).

The final fixture of Motson’s Match of the Day commentary career came at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace against West Bromwich Albion in May 2018, a day on which Palace manager Roy Hodgson presented the commentator with gifts from the club.

Read more about Motson's connection to Palace here.

Last time out against Liverpool

17:55

Palace’s visit to Anfield in August was less Summer Nights and more Fight Club, as a feisty encounter saw the hosts reduced to 10 men after Darwin Núñez’s head-butt on Joachim Andersen was spotted by VAR.

At that point, the Eagles were ahead through Wilfried Zaha’s confident finish – set up by Ebere Eze’s wonderful assist – and were looking for a famous victory, but Luis Díaz’s phenomenal equaliser saw the points shared.

Palace’s last victory against Liverpool at Selhurst Park came in 2014, when Mile Jedinak’s free-kick was the pick of the goals.

Good evening, and welcome to Selhurst Park!

17:45

Good evening Palace fans, and welcome to SE25 for what promises to be another spectacular night under the Selhurst Park lights!

It's Liverpool whom we face in south London tonight, with kick-off set for the (fairly unique) time of 19:45 GMT this evening.

Despite an incredibly challenging fixture list of late, Patrick Vieira’s side are steadily picking up points. Another came against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium last weekend, but it could have been so much more as we conceded an equaliser with virtually the last action of the game.

Tonight, then, the goal will be to go one better, and pick up our first win of the calendar year.

In the meantime, we’ll have all the build-up you could possibly need on our live blog right here, with teams announced at 18:45 – but before then, get yourself warmed up - it's a chilly night out there!