Liverpool have been linked with Adam Wharton, but how would he fare at Anfield? We’ve asked a Crystal Palace fan that and more ahead of Saturday’s clash.
The Reds have had all week to prepare for the visit of Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup holders, as they look to edge closer to Champions League qualification.
Palace usually provide a stern test for Liverpool, though they could have one eye on their Conference League semi final to follow in the week.
With another important game close, we spoke to football reporter and Eagles fan Bobbi Manzi (@BobbiManzi) to preview the weekend action.
How would you rate Palace’s season out of 10?
Six thus far, but potentially higher.
Exiting the FA Cup as holders to non-league Macclesfield was a low point, but a decent run in the Carabao Cup, eventually going out to Arsenal.
We are still fighting in Europe; it hasn’t been perfect, but Palace in a European semi-final has a surreal ring to it.
The Premier League has been up and down, going from a club record unbeaten run to a difficult winless run sums it up really.
Blow-ups from Oliver Glasner have made it particularly interesting. There really has been all sorts of dramas!
But in the end, the season will be judged on Europe, and if Palace close the season in Leipzig, it would be quite the campaign.
Add 10 points from Palace’s final five league games and they would surpass their club record points tally, too. There’s plenty still to play for.
Which three players have impressed most for Palace? Who has struggled?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Crystal Palace's Ismaïla Sarr celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Palace won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Impressed: Ismaila Sarr, Tyrick Mitchell, Jaydee Canvot.
Struggled: Brennan Johnson, Borna Sosa, Christantus Uche.
Ismaila Sarr and Tyrick Mitchell are my two picks for Palace’s player of the season.
Mitchell rarely drops below a 7/10 – he is the epitome of consistency.
Everyone has always been aware of his defensive quality, but this season, thanks to Glasner’s coaching, the offensive side of his game has drastically improved.
Sarr, as Liverpool know all too well, is Palace’s greatest weapon. Electric pace, plenty of end-product and carries the ball well. He’s the man.
Jaydee Canvot deserves a mention too. His game was littered with mistakes when understudy to Marc Guehi, but since the former Palace captain moved to Man City, 19-year-old Canvot has massively stepped up.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Liverpool's Conor Bradley challenges Crystal Palace's Tyrick Mitchell during the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A composed defender who is comfortable on the ball, he appears even more of a gem with every game he plays.
On the other hand, it’s been a rough start for £35 million man Brennan Johnson.
He looks shot of confidence and is struggling to make contributions in front of goal. With every appearance without a goal or assist, the pressure of his price tag increases.
Borna Sosa was meant to provide cover for Mitchell to allow him some respite, but it hasn’t really worked out that way, with the latter so pivotal to Palace.
Christantus Uche’s loan hasn’t worked out for the simple reason that the manager doesn’t fancy him.
On the rare appearances he has made, I’ve quite enjoyed his carnage, but that is probably why I am not a Premier League football manager.
Could you see Adam Wharton excelling for Liverpool?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton celebrates with the trophy after the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)
I can see Adam Wharton excelling wherever he ends up. His passing range is truly exquisite.
Wharton maybe lacks athleticism, but he makes up for that with the quality he oozes in possession.
His line-breaking passes are crucial to Palace’s build-up play, helping them get in behind – particularly against teams who play a higher line, with Sarr able to feast off his incisive passes.
His vision, scanning and general reading of the game are elite level.
He could very well move in the summer and is worthy of a step into the upper echelons.
Who do you want to replace Oliver Glasner this summer?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Crystal Palace's manager Oliver Glasner before the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Tough question. Is Oliver Glasner allowed?
If not, Palace must stay on the path of a progressive manager who plays exciting football.
The focus needs to be on developing players, not just bringing the club’s own academy players through, but trusting the value of appreciating talent that is brought into the club.
That is the model after all.
Andoni Iraola would be an ambitious appointment, and perhaps securing Europa League football via the Conference League might persuade him.
Facing Chelsea in the manager market may be problematic, though.
It might go against the grain, but I’m a fan of Ruben Amorim – not to say it’s realistic.
The important thing is to steer clear of Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank. Nothing against them as individual coaches, just don’t think they are the right fit for Palace.
How do you rate Liverpool’s season? Would you keep Arne Slot?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot reacts during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. PSG won 2-0 on the night, 4-0 on aggregate. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It’s not been pretty, has it? Mediocre at best after a summer spending spree that felt quite encouraging at the time.
That said, the decision not to sign a centre-back was ludicrous and the club have massively paid the price with defensive frailty.
Liverpool should have signed Guehi when they had the chance rather than waiting until the end of the summer window.
There have been injuries, but every team suffers those – ‘Salahgate’ was far from ideal.
The title defence has been weak, but if Liverpool qualify for the Champions League after everything that has happened this season, it would provide some solace.
As for Arne Slot, winning the title in his first season was extraordinary. There is clearly a good coach there, yet it has not worked out this season.
A rethink of the gung-ho recruitment is needed and there needs to be a clearout of some players who are past their sell-by date, which has already started.
Whether Slot is the man to lead that, I will leave to the Liverpool experts.
Where do you think both sides will finish? A trophy for Palace?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz is challenged by Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton during the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool: Champions League qualification.
Hopefully, Palace can reach 50 points and win the Conference League.
It would be a fantastic moment to bow out for the greatest manager in the club’s history.
Looking ahead to Saturday, where are the key battles?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 19, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring the winning second goal in the 10th minute of injury time during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC, the 248th Merseyside Derby, at Bramley-Moore Dock. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Palace can definitely get at the Liverpool back-line.
It’s Jean-Philippe Mateta vs the centre-backs, and Sarr against the Reds’ defence that will determine whether Palace can get anything from the game.
Daichi Kamada and Wharton may find it difficult to neutralise Ryan Gravenberch, so it’s crucial Palace’s back three are ready to step in.
Salah seems to be having a slight resurgence, but Mitchell is one of the best defensive full-backs in the Premier League and will fancy his chances of handling him.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot applauds the supporters after the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. PSG won 2-0 on the night, 4-0 on aggregate. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I’ll go for a draw before Palace’s huge trip to Poland on Thursday.
Glasner’s side relish facing the big teams and have performed well against them on the eve of major fixtures.
Last season, they drew with Arsenal and beat Tottenham in the league before their two trips to Wembley on the way to winning the FA Cup.
They will hope Liverpool can provide a similar spark heading into the last four of the Conference League.