The stage is set for a fiery encounter at Anfield, and this is more than just a cup tie—it’s a grudge match. After two shocking results, Liverpool find themselves in a must-win situation against their new bogey team, Crystal Palace. The visitors, meanwhile, are riding a wave of confidence, believing they can pull off another famous upset.

Let’s dive into the storylines, key battles, and what you can expect from this thrilling Liverpool vs Crystal Palace fourth-round EFL Cup clash.

A Painful Recent History: Palace’s Hold Over Liverpool

If you’re a Liverpool fan, look away now. The recent memories against Crystal Palace are nothing short of a nightmare.

• The Heartbreaker: On September 27, 2025, a last-gasp winner from Eddie Nketiah at Selhurst Park ended Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season in a crushing 2-1 defeat.
• The Anfield Humiliation: Just over a month later, Palace returned to Merseyside and delivered a stunning 3-0 thrashing in the EFL Cup, leaving the Kop in stunned silence.

Suddenly, the classic head-to-head statistics that favored Liverpool for decades feel irrelevant. Palace has proven they are a consistent and dangerous threat.

What’s at Stake? It’s All About Pride and Progression

This isn’t just about advancing in the Carabao Cup; it’s about psychological dominance.

• For Liverpool: This is the ultimate test of resilience. It’s about pride, redemption, and reasserting their authority at a fortress-like Anfield that has recently been breached. Another loss would signal a deep-rooted problem.
• For Crystal Palace: This is a chance to cement their status as giant-killers. Under Oliver Glasner, they are a disciplined, counter-attacking force, and they will believe they can exploit the same vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s defence once again.

Key Battles and Players to Watch

The outcome will likely hinge on a few critical matchups across the pitch.

Liverpool’s Key to Victory:
The Reds must tighten up at the back. The recent defensive problems for Liverpool have been glaring, with injuries and form creating instability. They will look to dominate possession and unleash their potent attack, but the entire team needs to show more fight and focus than in their previous meeting.

Crystal Palace’s Threat:
All eyes will be on the men who have tormented Liverpool recently.

• Eddie Nketiah: The hero of the first match, his pace and movement in the box will keep Liverpool’s centre-backs on high alert.
• Ismaïla Sarr: A constant menace on the break, his direct running could expose any gaps left by Liverpool’s advancing full-backs.

Manager Oliver Glasner’s system is perfectly designed to absorb pressure and launch devastating counter-attacks from Crystal Palace, making them a nightmare for any team that leaves itself exposed.

Prediction: How Will This Unfold?

This is one of the most unpredictable fixtures of the round. Here’s what to expect:

Palace will be organized, confident, and happy to let Liverpool have the ball, waiting for their moment to strike. Liverpool will pour forward, but the anxiety from the recent losses could make them nervous.

While you can never rule out another Crystal Palace upset at Anfield, the law of averages and the sheer force of Liverpool’s desire for revenge might just tip the scales.

Our Prediction: A tense, tight affair. Liverpool to edge it 2-1, but it will be a nail-biter from start to finish. Don’t be surprised if this goes to extra time or even penalties.

Final Thought

This EFL Cup preview sets the scene for a classic cup clash filled with narrative and tension. For Liverpool, it’s a chance to banish their demons. For Crystal Palace, it’s an opportunity to prove their victories were no fluke. For neutrals, it’s a must-watch match that promises drama, goals, and high-stakes football.