Crystal Palace v Liverpool – Reds aiming to recover
Both teams lost impressive unbeaten records at the weekend but the stakes are much higher for Liverpool who have conceded an advantage in the title race to their closest rivals Manchester City. Steven Gerrard's mistake against Chelsea means that even if Brendan Rodgers' team win their remaining games, it may not be enough to stop City from finishing at the top.
The Reds simply must win this one and the bookies expect them to do just that as Liverpool are favourites for the win at 4/9 with William Hill. Palace's winning streak of five straight victories came to an end with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City and the Eagles have now slipped to 15/2 with Bet365 while the draw is at 15/4 – also with Bet365.
Liverpool are natural favourites and may be helped by the fact that Palace are now safe. Tony Pulis' men have made a remarkable recovery to lift themselves out of the relegation zone but with two matches to go, they have nothing to play for. Some big sides have fallen at Selhurst Park but we fully expect the away side to seal a win on Monday night.
First goalscorer betting shows Luis Suarez as favourite to find the net first at 5/2 with Boylesports but the Uruguayan has been shy in front of goal recently. Daniel Sturridge becomes a stronger option at 7/2 with Boylesports while skipper Gerrard is at 5/1 with Boylesports again.
Elsewhere, Raheem Sterling opened the scoring twice in recent matches and is a solid pick at 6/1 with Boylesports although the teenager would be a safer bet at 13/8 with Boylesports to score in 90 minutes.
Glenn Murray is Crystal Palace's first representative at 10/1 with Boylesports but Pulis may start last season's top scorer on the bench. Instead, Jason Puncheon is a stronger contender for the Eagles at 12/1 with William Hill.
Palace have undoubtedly improved in recent weeks but they aren't exactly prolific goal scorers and another blank sheet against Manchester City on Sunday suggests that you shouldn't back both teams to score at 8/11 with Bet365. Liverpool also drew a blank against Chelsea but that is a rare occurrence so our preferred bet here is Liverpool only to score at 8/5 with William Hill.
The comparative strengths of the two teams might indicate an easy game for the Reds and you can stake on Liverpool to win by three or more goals at 5/2 with BetFred. By all means take that option if you're confident enough but we think that a Tony Pulis side is hard to break down and are therefore backing the Reds to win by two clear goals at 17/5 with BetVictor.
It will certainly be tough for Liverpool: Manchester City's 2-0 win here didn't exactly flatter them but it was largely down to one man – Yaya Toure. Brendan Rodgers' side have more players hitting form and while they should take the points, it may be far more uncomfortable than those win odds of 4/9 are suggesting.




