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Premier League leaders Liverpool face Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s side go into the clash as heavy favourites, however, the Eagles are something of a bogey team for the Reds.

Of their last ten Premier League meetings, Liverpool have lost on four occasions. The only draw in that time came in May 2014, when Palace produced an incredible late comeback at Selhurst Park to all but end the Merseyside club’s title hopes. 

Liverpool cannot afford to slip up against the south Londoners again.

On the chalkboard

The man who poses the greatest threat to Liverpool is Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha. The tricky winger will likely line up on the left flank for Roy Hodgson’s side, where he’ll face off against Liverpool’s right-back.

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Zaha could have a field day, given that Klopp’s right full-back options are severely depleted. Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both injured and Nathaniel Clyne has recently left the club to join Bournemouth on loan.

That leaves versatile midfielder James Milner and 18-year-old academy ace Rafael Camacho - who is yet to make his Premier League debut - as the two most likely options to start at right-back on Saturday. However, Klopp ought to hand the responsibility to Fabinho instead.

Winning the physical battle

The 6’2” Brazilian joined Liverpool this summer to add some steel and defensive discipline to Klopp’s midfield contingent.

The 25-year-old began his career as a right-back though, and even featured in the position on many occasions for Monaco.

His physicality ought to allow him to dominate Zaha, who can be outmuscled and kicked off the ball by players of Fabinho’s stature. Klopp should target Zaha, and send Fabinho out to win that battle as a right-back.