The Liverpool Offside - Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, 05.16.15Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2015-05-17T15:00:58+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/83779202015-05-17T15:00:58+01:002015-05-17T15:00:58+01:00Video: Lallana vs. Crystal Palace
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<p>On a day when little went right for Liverpool in attack or defense, Adam Lallana was one of the stronger performers, linking play well up top and getting the only goal for the hosts on an otherwise disappointing day.</p> <p>For most of the first half yesterday, Liverpool weren't completely abysmal, which, after watching the second half display, is something of a compliment. They were able to control the tempo going forward and actually looked somewhat dangerous, though as usual the final ball proved elusive. Without a recognized striker in the starting eleven and <span>Raheem Sterling</span> off-form, there was plenty of running, but too often <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> midfield and attacking contingent found themselves without a focal point.</p>
<p><span>Adam Lallana</span> was as culpable as others in flinging in an aimless cross or two from the wide areas, but as usual, the 27-year-old also sought to get involved with a quick one-two and clever footwork, exchanging short passes to initiate movement and tempo rather than recycling possession around the periphery of the final third. It didn't always come off, and even his goal had a touch of good fortune to it, but that approach to the offensive end is one that Liverpool have struggled to embrace all season long, and it's cost them dearly.</p>
<p>He lacks the pace of the rest in the Liverpool attacking cohort, but speed in attack isn't necessarily about speed alone. It's about staying on the front foot and working to bring others with you, and having the forethought to exploit space either in possession or with distribution as well as the skill to pull it off. Lallana has been far from perfect in that regard this season, but when healthy and given a run of appearances, it's been a clear feature of his game, and one that improves Liverpool.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QZ0oB_bmSu8" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br><i>Video by<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/i7xLFC/videos"> i7xLFC</a></i></p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-video-highlights/2015/5/17/8617201/adam-lallana-highlights-crystal-palace-goal-attacking-threat-sterling-coutinho-Ed-2015-05-17T04:00:03+01:002015-05-17T04:00:03+01:00Rodgers Laments Defensive Lapses
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<p>Steven Gerrard took the headlines on the day, but most notable for Liverpool moving forward was the return of worrying defensive lapses, something Brendan Rodgers picked out in his comments after the 3-1 loss.</p> <p>Today had to have been difficult not only for the other 17 players in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> matchday squad, but for <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> as he set his team out to get a result. With so much focus on <span>Steven Gerrard</span> and his last-ever Anfield appearance, Rodgers was tasked with balancing the sentiment of the occasion with the very practical need for Liverpool to get a result despite the fact that there was little left to play for other than the honor of Gerrard and some semblance of momentum heading into next season.</p>
<p>In the end only the sentiment proved successful, as the on-pitch product looked abysmal over the final hour of the match. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace</a> were rarely threatened by their hosts after equalizing, and in the end it was a comfortable victory for a side that hadn't won in their last four Premier League matches, scoring only once along the way. Once again the Liverpool attack stuttered, with <span>Raheem Sterling</span> mostly absent and each of <span>Jordon Ibe</span>, <span>Philippe Coutinho</span>, and Adam Lallana--who scored Liverpool's only goal on the day--struggling to make an impact on a consistent basis.</p>
<p>Also prominent were the types of defensive errors with which Liverpool have unfortunately become associated in the past few seasons, with everyone other than <span>Simon Mignolet</span> left wanting at one point or another. Yannick Bolasie bullied his way through Liverpool's defense, often through the horribly exposed left-sided combination of <span>Dejan Lovren</span> and Alberto Moreno, and whenever Palace broke at pace, Rodgers' side were once again a circus act at the back.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2F185349-rodgers-on-steven-palace-and-summer&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2Fliverpool-fc-tactics-longform%2F2015%2F5%2F17%2F8616435%2Fliverpool-1-crystal-palace-3-rodgers-defensive-coach-lapses-dejan-lovren-just-is-not-good-okay" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">He was not impressed</a>:</p>
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<p>"In terms of the result and the performance, it was disappointing. We started reasonably well and scored a fantastic goal with Adam, but we made poor defensive errors across the field today. That punished us at the end of the first half and in the second half. We didn't defend well enough; their attacking players caused us a problem and we didn't cope with that. Overall, the second half was a disappointing performance.</p>
<p>"For the first goal, the player should never get anywhere near that area of the field. They cleared a ball up the line and we didn't defend the moment well enough. I thought our decision-making defensively wasn't very good today. In fairness to him, he sticks the ball in - it was a wonderful free-kick. But we're disappointed with how he arrived there; we saw Puncheon score with a set-piece last week, he's very good in those moments. The second one was arguably offside, when he makes contact with the ball there are two players offside. I would look at it from a coaching perspective that before the ball is even played, we didn't defend well on that side of the field. The third one was clearly and disappointingly outside the box. So those two goals we were probably very unfortunate on, in terms of the second one and the penalty. But it doesn't take away that we could have been better in defensive moments in the game."</p>
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<p>He's more than justified in pointing out that the second and third goals were anything but clear-cut; Bolasie's cross for the second left two Palace players offside, while the third, punched in by Glenn Murray after his penalty was saved by Mignolet, should never have been a spot-kick given that Lucas fouled <span>Wilfried Zaha</span> a good foot or so outside the penalty area.</p>
<p>But there's no forgiving what was one of the worst defensive performances in a long time, with Lovren the worst offender and Moreno not far behind. It's easier to forgive the latter, who's only just returned from injury and has looked far better when featuring in a wingback role or as fullback not next to Lovren. He's young and will, ideally, only improve from here, and he's shown more than enough glimpses to prove his worth as a squad member going forward.</p>
<p>It's hard to say the same for Lovren, who was once again an absolute disaster. Positionally irresponsible, impulsive, and far less physically capable than his athletic build suggests he might be, he once again cemented his status as far and away the worst buy of Liverpool's 2014 summer. The lone weak spot in the argument to send him into space for science is that he's rarely played with any sort of defensive cover (i.e., Lucas) from the midfield, which would no doubt have an impact on his performances as well as the side more generally.</p>
<p>But he's also been a massive liability across systems and defensive positions, and with <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> set to return from injury shortly, Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure reportedly on the verge of signing new deals, and Sebastian Coates and <span>Tiago Ilori</span> returning from loan, it's easy to see Lovren as the odd man out heading into the summer and the start of next season. It won't pan out that way, as it's also easy to see at least two of the aforementioned names heading for the exit and Rodgers remaining bullish on a defender he reportedly fought to bring in, but the Croatian international has done little to prove his worth or status as anything other than fourth- or fifth-choice.</p>
<p>Defensive lapses and Dejan Lovren. Two issues that need to be near the top of the list of Brendan Rodgers' areas to address this summer.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-tactics-longform/2015/5/17/8616435/liverpool-1-crystal-palace-3-rodgers-defensive-coach-lapses-dejan-lovren-just-is-not-good-okay-Ed-2015-05-16T21:31:33+01:002015-05-16T21:31:33+01:00Liverpool 1, Crystal Palace 3: Saying Goodbye
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<p>This was not the best way to say goodbye after 17 years and over 700 games, but the result does not diminish the legend of Steven Gerrard.</p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Liverpool 1:</b> <i>Lallana 26'</i><br><b>Crystal Palace 3: </b><i>Puncheon 43', Zaha 60', Murray 90+1'</i></p>
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<p>So <span>Steven Gerrard's</span> final game at Anfield has come and gone. Unless the captain returns on loan, never again will Liverpool fans witness the captain trot out on the pitch at <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> home ground in pursuit of victory. There was also a football game, but the guard of honour given to the captain indicated what a momentous occasion it would be irrespective of the scoreline.</p>
<p>The first half was one where both sides didn't have too much to play for with one game remaining in the season. A win for either side would be welcome, but even defeat for Liverpool would still leave <span>Brendan Rodgers</span>' side with another game to seal fifth spot. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace" class="sbn-auto-link">Crystal Palace</a> have been a difficult opponent for Liverpool recently with a famous three-goal comeback last season and a Neil Warnock triumph during Liverpool's miserable form earlier in the season. They were never going to be easy opponents, but the second half was a lot worse that showed, as the manager commented after game, how much work the club will need to do in the summer.</p>
<p>Brendan Rodgers decided to return to a back three in pursuit of victory, with <span>Dejan Lovren</span>, <span>Emre Can</span>, and <span>Martin Škrtel</span> entrusted to protect <span>Simon Mignolet</span> with distinction. Alberto Moreno and <span>Jordon Ibe</span> returned to the starting line-up but didn't have great games. Moreno was particularly poor, but Dejan Lovren was truly and utterly abject. Liverpool struggled down the sides and conceded goals far too easily against quick and direct wide players. The first was a free-kick that Mignolet misjudged, the second was offside but the defending on the home side's left was horrendous, and the third stemmed from a penalty that wasn't as the contact was clearly made out side the area. <span>Adam Lallana</span> scored a goal, Steven Gerrard tried his best, <span>Raheem Sterling</span> looked lost, <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> probed, and Liverpool's midfield looked ill-equipped to support a struggling defence or regain control of a game that began to run away from the home side late in the first half. Rodgers played his role in Crystal Palace completing a league double over Liverpool, but deeper analysis is best left for another day.</p>
<p>Steven Gerrard. One of the world's most coveted players for over a decade who remained with Liverpool. Yes, he was tempted to leave but remained a Red. Gerrard was involved in only three title challenges in close to twenty years at the club but was featured in three of the most dramatic finals in football, scoring in all of them. A UEFA Cup final against Alaves, a Champions League final against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/">AC Milan</a>, and an FA Cup final against <a href="https://bracethehammer.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">West Ham United</a>. There were other trophies but those three are hard to beat. The blades of grass covered, those raking passes, shots of ferocious power, long-legged tackles, and the personification of a Red resistance have been witnessed close up and from afar.</p>
<p>There have been some fine players who Gerrard played with over the past 17 years, but he's also had to toil in some average Liverpool sides for years when some of the most glamorous and successful clubs in the world offered money, trophies, and world class players that Liverpool just couldn't. That's why the Anfield crowd cheered and sang in tribute to the captain in the closing stages of a desperately unsatisfactory home defeat. To see the captain smiling over the past couple of weeks redisovering a goalscoring touch underlines how disappointments in life can be temporarily forgotten by brighter moments. Since missing out on the title a year ago, Steven Gerrard has experienced some lows that he may regret later in life but carved out a fantastic career as a player.</p>
<p>For some fans, succumbing to excessive sentiment can be dangerous for a club with designs on winning. This fan can only sincerely say goodbye, because Liverpool's arena was the scene of something far greater than the loss of a single game in a season of disappointment. Anfield is expanding and there will be more matches where Liverpool can find glory, but Steven Gerrard's boots will never touch its grass again.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/16/8613737/liverpool-1-crystal-palace-3-recap-steven-gerrard-anfield-goodbyeCStars2015-05-16T19:56:23+01:002015-05-16T19:56:23+01:00Liverpool 1, Palace 3: Rank the Performances
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<p>With a loss against Crystal Palace in the books, we want to know how you would rank Liverpool's performers and who your Man of the Match is.</p> <p>If there was ever a time for #narrative to do something kind for Liverpool, it would have been in Steven Gerrard's last home match for his boyhood club, but it was not to be. Liverpool started brightly in the first half that culminated in an <span>Adam Lallana</span> goal, but Palace answered with three additional goals that marred what should have been a celebratory day. That two of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Palace's</a> goals came from dubious refereeing decisions is moot, since Liverpool should have just done better on the day all around in order to see the captain of fin style. </p>
<p>Now let us know how you saw things. Clicking the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list-or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p>At the end of the month we'll go back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. </p>
<a class="rnkrw-widget" data-rnkrw-id="2099683" data-rnkrw-format="grid" data-rnkrw-rows="999" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-liverpool-players-of-all-time/ranker-soccer?utm_source=widget&utm_campaign=widget_link" target="_blank">The Best Liverpool Players of All Time</a><script id="rnkrw-loader" type="text/javascript" async src="//widget.ranker.com/static/rnkrw2.js"></script>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/16/8613857/liverpool-1-crystal-palace-3-rank-the-performancesStitch Invader2015-05-16T19:26:16+01:002015-05-16T19:26:16+01:00Liverpool 1, Crystal Palace 3: First Thoughts
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<p>In Steven Gerrard's final game at Anfield, Crystal Palace spoiled the party by taking all three points.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
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<p><b>Liverpool 1 </b><i>Lallana 26'</i><br><b>Crystal Palace 3 </b><i>Puncheon 43', Zaha 60', Murray 90+1'</i></p>
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<li> <b>Pre-match thoughts</b>: <span>Steven Gerrard</span> started his final game at Anfield as expected in an attacking line-up as Liverpool looked to send off a true legend with victory and seal fifth ahead of <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Southampton</a> and <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tottenham Hotspur</a>. <span><br><br> </span> </li>
<li> It was good to see the likes of Alberto Moreno and <span>Jordon Ibe</span> start the game, but it was better seeing a mobile forward in <span>Raheem Sterling</span> lead the line with <span>Adam Lallana</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> in support. Early efforts from Coutinho and <span>Emre Can</span> in the opening stages came to nothing as the home side dominated a game that lacked intensity and bite as both sides had not much to really play for.<br><br> </li>
<li> After a quarter of an hour, the game settled into a pattern where Liverpool held the ball for over 80% possession while the visitors were content to look for counter attacking opportunities.<br><br> </li>
<li> Raheem Sterling pressured <span>Martin Kelly</span> who played a ball inside to Scott Dann who was robbed by Adam Lallana. He had some way to run through on goal and could have squared it to Sterling but finished emphatically to give Liverpool the lead on 26 minutes. Mobility and pressure pay off.<br><br> </li>
<li> Oh dear. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace" class="sbn-auto-link">Crystal Palace</a> equalise almost immediately as Yannick Bolasie bullied <span>Dejan Lovren</span> off the ball on the right to create an excellent shooting opportunity for Joe Ledley. The ball came to Ledley's stronger left foot, but the Welsh international shot over the bar. Palace had another chance soon after but Bolasie joined Ledley in firing over.<br><br> </li>
<li> Crystal Palace equalised from an excellent Jason Puncheon free-kick. Emre Can was booked after making a clumsy challenge outside the area before Puncheon showed his dead ball skills once again. Instead of sending the ball into the corner closest to the defensive wall, Puncheon surprised <span>Simon Mignolet</span> by selecting the other corner of the goal.<br><br> </li>
<li> <b>Half-time thoughts: </b>An surprisingly entertaining half with Philippe Coutinho dazzling and Lallana impressing, but Liverpool were unconvincing defensively with the back three against the direct talents of Bolasie and Puncheon. Sadly the midfield was an area of weakness with a partnership that has often sapped the talents of the younger member.<span><br><br> </span> </li>
<li>Liverpool nearly regained the lead through <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and Jordon Ibe. The vice-captain couldn't get a shot off after a controlling the ball with his chest and Ibe shot narrowly wide from the loose ball.<br><br> </li>
<li>The first ten minutes of the second half were populated by some swift Crystal Palace counters that troubled <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> backline and shots dragged wide by the home side. The visitors looked dangerous as Liverpool were struggling down both flanks with no tactical reaction from Rodgers to the problems Crystal Palace were causing. <span>Wilfried Zaha</span> scored on the hour mark 22 seconds after coming on as the left side was breached with ease. The goal was probably offside but more worrying was the constant danger posed by Palace.<br><br> </li>
<li>The goal forced Rodgers to belatedly react to systemic concerns seen from the middle of the first half by bringing on <span>Lucas Leiva</span> and <span>Rickie Lambert</span> for Jordon Ibe and Adam Lallana. The move from a back three to a back four should have been made at half time instead of during the second half against opponents with pace and enthusiasm in wide areas.<br><br> </li>
<li>The away side started to defend deeper and in this low block gave away free-kicks late in last twenty minutes of the second half, but Liverpool were unable to profit. Gerrard was pushed forward in search of a goal.<br><br> </li>
<li> A late penalty after a foul from Lucas on Zaha. Mignolet saved the penalty from Glenn Murray but couldn't stop the follow up from the penalty taker to secure all three points.<br><br> </li>
<li> <b>Full-time thoughts:</b> This may not have been the ideal way to say goodbye but the fans defiantly bellowed praise for a legend in the face of defeat. <br><br> </li>
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<p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<p align="justify">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/16/8613723/liverpool-1-crystal-palace-3-match-recapCStars2015-05-16T14:30:02+01:002015-05-16T14:30:02+01:00Matchday: Liverpool v. Crystal Palace
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<p>Liverpool take on Crystal Palace at Anfield in the final Merseyside match for Steven Gerrard.</p> <p>It goes without saying that a win would be nice today, and that it would certainly enhance the occasion. But today will be all about bringing Steven Gerrard's 17-year Liverpool career to a close in front of the Kop, and an adoring set of supporters who, regardless of generation, won't have witnessed many of his ilk. There's one more match left in the season, of course, but this is the sendoff everyone will have been waiting for. Tissues at the ready.</p>
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<div align="center">The Match</div>
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<p><strong>Full Preview:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/15/8609547/liverpool-vs-crystal-palace-match-preview-team-news-and-ways-to-watch">Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace</a></p>
<p><strong>Kickoff:</strong> 5:30PM BST/12:30PM EST from Anfield</p>
<p><strong>Television: </strong>Sky Sports 1 (UK & Ireland); NBCSN (USA); Fox Sports 4 (Australia); beIN Sports 1 (Indonesia); 102 mio Stadium (Singapore)</p>
<p><strong>Online:</strong> Sky Go (UK & Ireland); NBC Sports Live Extra (USA); Fox Sports Play (Australia)</p>
<p><strong>Full Listings:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1207359/liverpool-vs-crystal-palace/">LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
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<p align="center">Mignolet<br>Can Skrtel Lovren Moreno<br>Gerrard<br>Henderson Coutinho<br>Lallana Sterling Ibe</p>
<p>Bench: Ward, Johnson, Toure, Lambert, Lucas, Allen, Sinclair</p>
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<p align="center">Hennessey<br>Kelly Ward Dann Souare<br>McArthur Ledley Puncheon<br>Lee Bolasie<br>Chamakh</p>
<p>Bench: Speroni, Delaney, Jedinak, Mutch, Zaha, Campbell, Murray</p>
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<p>If you haven’t already, sign up for an SBNation account and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a> where we'll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/16/8614047/liverpool-vs-crystal-palace-2015-premier-league-time-tv-schedule-live-online-streaming-Ed-2015-05-16T03:00:02+01:002015-05-16T03:00:02+01:00Pre-Crystal Palace Overnight Open Thread
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<p>One question to pass the time as we wait for kick off from Anfield.</p> <p>Although there are two matches left in the season, <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> FC and Liverpool fans are treating Saturday's match against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace" class="sbn-auto-link">Crystal Palace</a> as though it is <span>Steven Gerrard's</span> last ever in red. It could very well be — it's possible he doesn't play the following week against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/stoke-city" class="sbn-auto-link">Stoke City</a> — but since it's his last ever home match at Anfield, everyone wants to send him out in style.</p>
<p>So instead of holding off until next week and potentially not having an opportunity to ask, tonight we query you, oh faithful Reds: if you could say any one thing to Steven Gerrard about his time at Liverpool, what would it be?</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2015/5/16/8613821/pre-crystal-palace-overnight-open-thread-steven-gerrard-farewell-sort-ofStitch Invader2015-05-15T14:06:55+01:002015-05-15T14:06:55+01:00Preview: Liverpool v. Crystal Palace
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<p>Anfield says goodbye to one of its greatest ever players as Steven Gerrard plays his last match in front of the Kop when Liverpool host Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>For teams outside the top four and far from concerns about relegation, the season's final few weeks are mostly about giving supporters some entertainment and a glimpse of what to expect for the next campaign. It's been slightly different for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, who were clinging to slim top-four hopes before transitioning to the farewell campaign for their long-time captain and one of the best players in the club's history. All of a sudden, it's time for Anfield to say goodbye to <span>Steven Gerrard</span>.</p>
<p>It's not going to be pretty, but hopefully it'll go out with something resembling a bang. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace</a> could prove willing opposition, as they found their way to safety on the strength of five wins in six matches from late February until mid-April, with four consecutive victories at the tail end securing top-flight survival. They have little left to play for given that they've secured top-flight football for next season (and despite a current four-match losing streak), and while adding to the points haul over the next two weeks will be a priority, they've got sights firmly set on the start of next year.</p>
<p>Alan Pardew's return has been mostly successful, and tomorrow he should be able to call on most of his regulars if he so chooses, with only <span>Jerome Thomas</span> ruled out. In the 2-1 loss against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> last weekend, Pardew went with Julian Speroni in goal, Joel Ward, Scott Dann, Damien Delaney, and Pape Souare in defense, <span>Mile Jedinak</span> and James McArthur in central midfield, with Yannick Bolasie, Joe Ledley, and <span>Wilfried Zaha</span> in support of Glenn Murray up top. <span>Martin Kelly</span> will hopefully get a chance at some point for Palace, while substitute Jason Puncheon got the equalizer after replacing Ledley at the half.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Can Skrtel Lovren Johnson<br>Gerrard<br>Henderson Coutinho<br>Lallana Lambert Sterling</p>
<p><span>Mario Balotelli</span> and <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> should be available for selection tomorrow, though the former was apparently fit for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> match and just left out of the matchday squad. That leaves <span>Jon Flanagan</span> and <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> as the only confirmed absentees, then, with both expected back in the early stages of next season.</p>
<p>This one is, obviously, all about Steven Gerrard. He starts somewhere in the midfield, the rest of the pieces fall where they may, and, for better or worse, there's not much else happening from a Liverpool perspective. Maybe there's another cameo for <span>Jerome Sinclair</span>, who showed glimpses against Chelsea of why he's been so successful in the youth ranks and looked a good fit for the personnel on the pitch, and there's possibly another surprise or two to come from other youngsters.</p>
<p>But this will be a concerted effort to give Gerrard as warm an Anfield send-off as possible, and it's likely that he'll be looking to get amongst the goals from wherever he starts. All signs point to another deeper-lying role to begin the match, with <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> set for more advanced roles until circumstances dictate. <span>Emre Can</span> is probably going to start again at fullback, and while Alberto Moreno should be starting on the opposite flank, Rodgers appears ready to let <span>Glen Johnson</span> play out his Liverpool days at left-back.</p>
<p>An Anfield goal for <span>Rickie Lambert</span> is either second or third on the end of season wishlist--which hopefully includes proof of life for Javi Manquillo and appearances for Moreno and Lazar Markovic--and he's the favorite to feature alongside <span>Adam Lallana</span> and <span>Raheem Sterling</span> in attack. It would be nice to see Sinclair from the start because why not, especially considering each of Lambert, Balotelli, and <span>Fabio Borini</span> are all but sold, but Rodgers is intent on giving Lambert as many chances as possible to get the goal he's been waiting for.</p>
<p>Kickoff is set for 5:30PM BST/12:30PM EST on Saturday, with Sky Sports 1 carrying coverage in the UK and NBCSN airing the match in the US. Our coverage will continue with any breaking team news, team sheets when they’re released, and live coverage tomorrow including full viewing options and post-match reactions. If you haven’t already, sign up for an SB Nation account and join us for it.</p>
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