Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Team news
By Joel Masibo, April 25, 2026For Liverpool’s upcoming crunch tie against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday, April 25, 2026, chances are high that the starting goalkeeper will be either Alisson Becker or Freddie Woodman.
Alisson has been sidelined for the Reds’ previous six matches due to injury, and his usual deputy, Giorgi Mamardashvili, is also ruled out for Saturday’s 3pm BST Premier League encounter. The Georgian shot-stopper suffered a leg injury that forced him off on a stretcher during last weekend’s win over Everton.
Woodman, who stepped in for Mamardashvili at Hill Dickinson Stadium previously, is expected to retain his place if Alisson is not yet ready to return.
Liverpool team update
Providing an update on Friday, April 24, 2026, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said: “Giorgi will definitely not be available for tomorrow and also not for the upcoming weeks. Ali is close to a return to play, so let’s see if tomorrow comes too early, yes or no,” he said.
“And that leaves, of course, Freddie Woodman as an option, who is definitely fit. We signed an experienced third goalkeeper for a reason. As well as being a good ’keeper, he’s a very good man and well-liked in the dressing room, which is important in that role. He’s ready for it.” He added.
Slot also confirmed that 21-year-old goalkeeper Armin Pecsi will be included among the substitutes at Anfield.
In defence, Joe Gomez is back in contention after missing the Merseyside derby. Slot welcomed his return, saying: “He is back in the squad, so that’s really positive because last week I only had two centre-backs that were playing and no-one on the bench so it’s really helpful that Joe is back.”
Meanwhile, Wataru Endo continues his recovery from injury, having been out since February 2026. Offering an update, Slot noted: “Wata is starting to go outside.
“Not with the team yet, but [he is] starting to do exercises outside on the pitch with the rehab team so he is making steps, but he will not be available next week for [Manchester] United or the week after. But we are hoping and expecting him to be back in the end of the season.”
However, Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable for the long term.
Crystal Palace team news
For Crystal Palace, Adam Wharton is set to return after missing the goalless draw against West Ham United earlier this week.
Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed: “Adam is good. He is fit and trained yesterday without any issues so he’ll be available for Liverpool.
“All the others are the same so we’ve got no new injury concerns, which is good news. Of course, two injuries we still have are Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand so they will miss this game,” he said.
There is uncertainty surrounding Nathaniel Clyne’s availability after illness, with Glasner adding: “One question mark we have is Nathaniel Clyne.
“He was ill yesterday, but then was better in the evening. He’s being assessed at the moment. But hopefully he is available.” He added.
Cheick Doucoure is still yet to feature this season due to injury.
Liverpool head into the fixture following a 2-1 victory over Everton on April 19, while Palace come off a 0-0 draw with West Ham on April 20.