Crystal Palace look to striker Christian Benteke in order to exploit Liverpool defence: 'We know set pieces are key'

  • Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer hopes Christian Benteke comes to the fore 
  • The Dutchman hopes Benteke can continue his good form against Liverpool
  • De Boer is wary of attack at Jurgen Klopp's disposal shown in the Watford draw 
  • Palace are looking to secure a fourth straight win over Liverpool at Anfield 

Crystal Palace are hoping their former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke will be able to exploit the Anfield club's perceived defensive weakness from set pieces in Saturday's Premier League game.

The powerful Belgian has scored five times in three league matches at Liverpool as an opposition player, including two when Palace won there in April.


Meanwhile Liverpool conceded three goals at Watford last weekend and were widely criticised for defensive laxity.

Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer will look to exploit Liverpool's set piece weaknesss

Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer will look to exploit Liverpool's set piece weaknesss

Christian Benteke will be vital to Palace's plans of inflicting a fourth straight loss on the Reds

Christian Benteke will be vital to Palace's plans of inflicting a fourth straight loss on the Reds

'Christian showed his importance last season,' the Palace manager Frank de Boer told a media conference on Friday.

'Hopefully he can do that again for us. We know set pieces are important, they're important to all teams in the Premier League.'

The London side began the season with a shock 3-0 home defeat by promoted Huddersfield Town in the Dutchman's first league game as manager since replacing Sam Allardyce in the close-season.

'Hopefully the negative impact of the 3-0 loss is gone,' De Boer added. 'It will be a difficult game at Liverpool but we'll do our best.

Benteke scored twice in Palace's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last April

Benteke scored twice in Palace's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last April

De Boer knows just how important his Belgian striker will be at set pieces this Saturday

De Boer knows just how important his Belgian striker will be at set pieces this Saturday

Jurgen Klopp boss played down the importance of his side's win over Palace during pre-season

Jurgen Klopp boss played down the importance of his side's win over Palace during pre-season

'Liverpool are very dangerous in attack. Jurgen Klopp has selected the players to capitalise on winning the ball in key areas.'

Palace, who will be without the injured forward Wilfried Zaha, have an excellent recent record at Liverpool and if they can pull off an upset would become the first visiting team to win four successive matches there in the top flight for over 80 years.

Last season's 2-1 win followed other victories by 2-1 and 3-1 in the preceding seasons.