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Liverpool vs Palace: Woodman Starts, Win Boosts Brighton Lead

4/25/2026

Summary

Liverpool Host

Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday, April 25.
A win would lift Liverpool eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton, and sees backup goalkeeper Freddie Woodman start after Giorgi Mamardashvili’s injury, with Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley unavailable.
Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their four Anfield visits, have lost only two of their last twelve matches, and will play the Conference League semifinal first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday.

Summary

Alisson Extended

Alisson Becker’s contract was extended to 2027, yet Juventus monitor a summer move.
Coach Slot warned the congested schedule raises muscle-injury risk after recent hamstring and knee problems, leaving seven first-team players—including goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, defender Wataru Endo, and forward Hugo Ekitike, whose successful Achilles surgery still needs months of rehab—unavailable for the Palace match.
Freddie Woodman is the only fit goalkeeper and will start, his third appearance this season.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 UEFA Champions League final on 26 May at Barcelona’s Camp Nou saw Manchester United overturn a 1-0 deficit to defeat Bayern Munich 2-1 with injury-time goals, illustrating how squad depth can change outcomes. Liverpool’s current reliance on backup goalkeeper Freddie Woodman after Alisson’s injury echoes that lesson, as the club seeks to protect its league lead.

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Liverpool Host

Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday, April 25.
A win would lift Liverpool eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton, and sees backup goalkeeper Freddie Woodman start after Giorgi Mamardashvili’s injury, with Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley unavailable.
Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their four Anfield visits, have lost only two of their last twelve matches, and will play the Conference League semifinal first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday.

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