US: 8:30 AM-NBC Sports
UK: 1:30 PM-Sky Sports 1
The Reds return to Premier League play after an International break eying to make things right, and first up is Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The fixture also brings back some seriously bad memories for all involved with Liverpool, as it was the site of that horrible result towards the end of last season that well and truly ended our title hopes, so may there be redemption on the cards?
The long awaited return of Daniel Sturridge is now pushed back until at least the turn of the year, while Mamadou Sakho is expected back this week, but is still a doubt to play. Jose Enrique, Suso, and Jon Flanagan remain out, while Jordan Henderson and Mario Balotelli are touch and go having picked up knocks during the international break.
Brendan Rodgers said that we'll make "the best of what we have" in his press conference this week, and, on form, that should mean Emre Can could make an appearance, most likely in Henderson's stead if he remains out, or for Coutinho, to add a bit of steel to midfield, as Neil Warnock's teams are almost always known to give you a tough, and physical game.
There might be a place for Rickie Lambert in the side, given Palace's tough showing, despite Lambert's lack of scoring touch, especially if Balotelli is hurt, but one would think Fabio Borini could do a job here. It'd be nice to see two up front again, however, it may be best to again play five in midfield to match Palace's strength.
And who starts at the back? We could use Kolo Toure's experience here, and finally give Lovren a chance to rest and sort his head out following a bad run of form. Glen Johnson could also start amid rumors that he's in preliminary talks with his representatives over a move to AS Roma, and it's also likely that Javier Manquillo could start.
Ex-Red Martin Kelly faces his former club tomorrow. The Whiston boy played 33 times for the Reds in an injury plagued seven years at Anfield, and has revealed how that night of heartbreak for Brendan's men convinced him to join the Eagles.
Palace are going through a tough time at the minute, but are always capable of a scalp. They went toe to toe with Arsenal at the start of the season, and have been very unlucky not to have picked up more points along the way. So this, by no means at all, will be "easy", and we should know that we need to be on tip top form if this is the game which will turn our early season woes around.
-Other thoughts
-I really was an admirer of Martin Kelly. So much so that I'd at one point tipped him to be our next Captain after Stevie left. He was just so unlucky with his injuries. I wish him all the best at Palace, but, of course, not tomorrow. (Johnathan)
-Can we just please for once have luck on our side? I think that's been one of our main problems this year. We haven't got the rub of the green, what with injuries and close missed chances, besides the QPR game of course. (Johnathan)
-Do we start Borini or Lambert if Balotelli isn't clear to go? I'd say BOTH. (Johnathan)