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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton make same Darwin Nunez point as they predict Liverpool v Crystal Palace

Liverpool welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield on Monday night for what will be their first home game of the campaign.

Both sides got their seasons off to a poor start as the Reds dropped points away at Fulham while the Eagles were beaten by Arsenal at home. Liverpool will need to put in a much-improved display if they're to get up and running and record their first victory in the league.

Jurgen Klopp 's side won both matches home and away against Palace last season and pundits expect the same this time around. While it will be a tough game, the Reds are favourites in the eyes of the pundits.

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Paul Merson, SportsKeeda (Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace)

Liverpool's poor performance at Fulham has had no bearing on Paul Merson's prediction as the former Arsenal man expects the home side to collect all three points.

"Liverpool need to turn up this weekend," he wrote. "They've had a bad start, and they need to pick up the pace. I know Crystal Palace weren't great last week, but Liverpool's style of play could allow them to be effective on the counter. The longer this game drags on, the more worried Liverpool will become.

"They need to score early here. Points at the start win you the Premier League, and this is a massive game for Liverpool.

" Darwin Nunez should've played from the start last week - he proved his mettle when he came on. Liverpool aren't playing against a dominant team in Crystal Palace - midfield isn't the biggest part of their game, but they can hurt you on the counter. I think Liverpool will win this game, but it'll be a hard-fought match."

Chris Sutton, BBC Sport (Liverpool 4-0 Crystal Palace)

A similar outcome is predicted by Chris Sutton, who has taken over as BBC Sport's Premier League predictions pundit this season. He does, however, insist this is a must-win game for Liverpool and names one key player that should be in the starting line-up.

He wrote: "Palace got off to a bad start losing at home to Arsenal, and things don't get any easier for them here. Liverpool cannot slip up again in this one after dropping points against Fulham.

"The Reds have got a few injury problems, but the big thing for Jurgen Klopp is that he has to start new striker Nunez. Even some Liverpool fans would question Klopp if he leaves him on the bench, but I don't see that happening. This is going to be routine for Liverpool and a difficult night for Palace."

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