Liverpool v Crystal Palace: EFL Cup 29 OCTOBER 2025 — Match Preview, Team News & Prediction
The EFL Cup 2025–26 (Carabao Cup) delivers another thrilling fixture as Liverpool host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, in a Fourth Round showdown at Anfield.
Both sides enter the tie with confidence — Liverpool chasing domestic glory, and Crystal Palace eager to upset one of England’s football giants.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
- Competition: EFL Cup 2025–26
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Kick-off: 7:45 PM BST, Wednesday, 29 October 2025
- Stage: Fourth Round
This matchup represents a crucial test of depth and tactical adaptability, with both managers expected to rotate heavily amid a congested schedule.
Road to the Fourth Round
The journey to the Fourth Round has been distinct for both teams.
Liverpool brushed aside lower-league opponents with attacking flair, while Crystal Palace displayed grit and defensive organization to progress.
According to the official EFL website, this stage of the tournament often defines who emerges as a serious contender. For Liverpool, it’s about maintaining momentum; for Palace, it’s about seizing an opportunity to reach their first quarter-final in years.
- Liverpool scored 7 goals in two rounds, with Alexander Isak and Federico Chiesa leading the charge.
- Crystal Palace advanced through a penalty shoot-out in Round Three, showing composure under pressure.
Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance — but only one will move closer to EFL Cup glory.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
These two clubs have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years. Crystal Palace have taken points from Liverpool in multiple recent encounters, including the Premier League clash in September.
Last Five Meetings:
- 27 Sep 2025 — Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool
- 10 Aug 2025 — Liverpool 2-2 Crystal Palace
- 25 May 2025 — Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace
- 5 Oct 2024 — Liverpool 1-0 Crystal Palace
- 14 Apr 2024 — Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace
For insight into the tactical evolution behind these results, you can explore UEFA’s coaching insights on modern football trends. It highlights how Jürgen Klopp’s pressing system contrasts with Oliver Glasner’s structured counter-attacking setup.
Team News & Injury Updates
Injury management will play a major role in this EFL Cup fixture.
Liverpool:
- Darwin Núñez faces a late fitness test.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearing full fitness.
- Alisson Becker may be rested, with Caoimhín Kelleher likely to start.
Crystal Palace:
- Eberechi Eze is expected to feature after returning from injury.
- Michael Olise remains doubtful.
- Marc Guéhi will undergo assessment before matchday.
Stay informed via Premier Injuries, which tracks live medical reports for every Premier League club.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Kelleher; Gomez, Konaté, Quansah, Tsimikas; Elliott, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Isak, Díaz
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1):
Henderson; Ward, Andersen, Richards, Mitchell; Lerma, Hughes; Ayew, Eze, Olise; Mateta
Expect Klopp to blend experience with youth, while Glasner may stick with his usual compact setup and quick transitions.
Tactical Analysis — Press vs Counter
This clash is a battle of philosophies:
- Liverpool’s high-intensity press versus Palace’s patient defensive structure.
- Klopp relies on quick ball recoveries, while Glasner looks for counter-attacks through Eze and Olise.
Key Battles:
- Isak vs Andersen — strength and positioning.
- Chiesa vs Mitchell — pace and width.
- Eze vs Gomez — creativity versus discipline.
If Liverpool dominate possession, expect Palace to exploit the flanks when opportunities arise.
Players to Watch
Liverpool
- Federico Chiesa — already delivering assists and pace down the wing.
- Alexander Isak — offers a clinical edge in front of goal.
- Harvey Elliott — provides youthful energy in midfield.
Crystal Palace
- Eberechi Eze — creative hub capable of unlocking defences.
- Joachim Andersen — defensive anchor with leadership.
- Chris Richards — emerging threat from set-pieces.
Betting Odds & Prediction
Odds (via ESPN & SkyBet):
- Liverpool win — 1.36
- Draw — 4.00
- Palace win — 4.80
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace
- Liverpool to qualify
- Both Teams To Score — Yes
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Chiesa Anytime Assist — High value pick
EFL Cup History Between The Sides
- Liverpool are record nine-time EFL Cup winners, their last triumph coming in 2024.
- Crystal Palace have never reached the final, but their current squad shows real potential.
- The last EFL Cup meeting saw Liverpool edge a narrow 1-0 win.
Fan Buzz & Ticket Info
The Anfield atmosphere is expected to be electric, with tickets selling fast — reports suggest starting prices around $111 on official outlets.
Fans across social media are divided: some predicting a dominant Liverpool display, others hoping for a Crystal Palace upset.
FAQs — People Also Ask
Q1: Where to watch Liverpool vs Crystal Palace live?
A: The match airs on ESPN+, Sky Sports, and official club platforms.
Q2: What time does the match start?
A: 7:45 PM BST on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.
Q3: Who has the better head-to-head record?
A: Liverpool lead overall, though Palace have enjoyed recent success.
Q4: Could Palace pull off an upset?
A: It’s possible — if Eze and Olise perform at their creative best.
Where to watch crystal palace f.c. vs liverpool fc, (EFL Cup 2025)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Live on: Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event
- Streaming: Sky Go app or NOW TV (sports pass required)
- Kick-off time: 7:45 PM BST
🇺🇸 United States
- Live on: ESPN+
- Streaming: Available via ESPN App or Hulu Live TV (if bundled)
- Kick-off time: 2:45 PM ET
🇨🇦 Canada
- Live on: DAZN Canada (exclusive streaming rights)
- Kick-off time: 2:45 PM ET
🇦🇺 Australia
- Live on: beIN Sports
- Streaming: Kayo Sports or Foxtel Now
- Kick-off time: 5:45 AM AEDT (Thursday, Oct 30)
International (Other Regions)
- Africa: SuperSport Premier League (DSTV)
- India: Sony LIV / Sony Sports Network
- MENA Region: beIN Sports
- Europe: Viaplay (Nordics), DAZN (Germany, Spain, Italy)
Official Club Channels
- Liverpool FC TV (LFC Go App) — live audio commentary & post-match analysis
- Crystal Palace TV — behind-the-scenes coverage & highlights
Final Thoughts
The Liverpool vs Crystal Palace EFL Cup tie on 29 October 2025 encapsulates everything great about English cup football — passion, unpredictability, and tactical intrigue.
While Liverpool remain favourites, Crystal Palace’s resilience ensures this won’t be an easy night for the hosts.
Under the lights at Anfield, expect goals, drama, and perhaps even another classic in the making.