By Karl Matchett
Salah with his own agenda
Liverpool might have understandably gone off the boil since the title was wrapped up, but someone out there still has something to play for – Mohamed Salah is chasing the Premier League record for goals and assists in a season. He’s already done it for 38-game campaigns, but one more on the final day equals him with those who got to play 42 matches, too. He should be there, given a chance spurned last time out from close range at Brighton, but don’t rule him out yet – despite one goal from his last five matches.
The Egyptian may have signed on for another couple of years, but there should be a few goodbyes said at Anfield too – a couple of upgrades in summer are expected and despite this team winning the league at a canter, it has been apparent that one or two may have overstayed their time in the northwest. Celebrating with the trophy after the match – in front of fans this time – is a good way to go out.
Last this year, first next year
Palace have already been able to celebrate with silverware and supporters, after triumphing at Wembley. The FA Cup was their first-ever major honour and it guarantees them both European football and the Community Shield next term – meaning this fixture will be played out in back-to-back games essentially, here on the final day and then back at Wembley in August. Both Arne Slot and Oliver Glasner have overachieved versus expectations of them ten months ago, yet both will feel rightly excited about the possibility of even more next season.
Recent form
Liverpool had won three in a row to seal the title before the end of April, but have taken just one point from a possible nine since then as rotation and celebration both take their toll. Palace haven’t lost in seven in all competitions, with three straight wins of late against Spurs, Man City and Wolves being particularly impressive – as well as yielding tangible success. They’ve only lost twice since mid-February, conceding five on both occasions.
Team news
Alexis MacAllister is likely to be the only player absent for Liverpool through injury, though it feels unlikely Trent Alexander-Arnold will feature given his reception last time he appeared at Anfield off the bench.
For Palace, Marc Guéhi may miss out after his severe cheek bruising sustained in the final, while Adam Wharton is back out again.
Key player
He might have dropped off in the last month or so but Salah’s year has been sensational – more goals than 99% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues, more shots than 90%, more chances created than 82%. Domestically on a per 90 basis he ranks higher than 98% for xG, 97% for non-penalty xG, 97% for shots on target, 96% for assists and 98% for touches in the box.
Prediction
Goals for everybody on the final day – that’s usually the rule in the Premier League. Several at Anfield, therefore: Liverpool 3-2 Crystal Palace.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every Premier League game with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
