Paul Merson gives his prediction for the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC

Paul Merson gives his prediction for the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC

Paul Merson states his prediction ahead of Liverpool FC’s trip to south London as they face Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson is predicting that Liverpool FC will drop points in a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Merseyside side come into the game fresh having secured their place in the League Cup final against Chelsea FC following a 2-0 win against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Thursday night.

Diogo Jota scored a goal in each half for Jurgen Klopp’s men at The Emirates as they set up a clash with Thomas Tuchel’s side at Wembley on the 27th of February.

Liverpool FC now turn their attention back to Premier League matters as they try to keep the pressure on runaway leaders Manchester City at the top of the table.

The Reds are 11 points behind Pep Guardiola’s men with a game in hand, and they cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to stay in the title race.

Crystal Palace are down in 11th place in the table, having won just one of their last five games in the Premier League.

Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup(Photo by Getty Images)

Despite the Eagles’ faltering form, former Arsenal midfielder Merson believes Patrick Vieira’s side are about to cause trouble for the Merseysiders on Sunday, tipping the London side to claim a point in a draw 1-1.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “This is a hard match for Liverpool. This could be the Premier League game that bites them.

“They have a big cup game against Arsenal tonight – if they go and drop points against Crystal Palace, that would be it. If they don’t win on Sunday, they’ll be in trouble in the Premier League title race.

“I thought Palace were terrible against Brighton, but they’re a good team. They’re having an impressive season under Vieira and they’ll cause Liverpool a few problems. Liverpool will have to do without Mane and Salah this weekend and Crystal Palace could hold them to a draw.”

Liverpool remains without the services of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, and Guinea’s Naby Keita, who are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Also, forward Divock Origi, midfielder Thiago Alcantara, defender Nat Phillips, and playmaker Harvey Elliott are closing in on returns from injury and may re-enter the fray in early February.

In other news, Liverpool joins race to sign Sevilla star defender