
Liverpool and Crystal Palace will both be in a celebratory mood on Sunday afternoon, as they each sign off from memorable trophy-winning campaigns.
Despite Liverpool's away defeat to Brighton on Monday night, the travelling fans remained in high spirits, keeping the party atmosphere alive from start to finish and even after the final whistle.
Mohamed Salah might have walked away from the Amex Stadium disappointed, though, as he missed a huge chance (0.83 xG) to tie the record for goal contributions in a Premier League season.
The Egyptian will get one more opportunity to write his name into the history books. Arne Slot will likely name a stronger lineup than the one he fielded last time out, as his team looks to end the season on a high.
Crystal Palace have an outside chance of finishing in the top half if results go their way this weekend, but they won’t be too bothered after what they achieved a week ago.
Oliver Glasner’s side kept the momentum going after their FA Cup triumph with a midweek success against Wolves. The three points were enough to break their record for the most points in a Premier League campaign.
It may be a tall order to add to that 52-point tally, especially with Adam Wharton missing on Sunday after suffering a concussion, and Marc Guehi also being doubtful with an eye problem.
The Eagles have a knack for hurting Liverpool towards the end of Premier League seasons. ‘Crystanbul’ comes to mind, but they have also picked up some results on Merseyside in recent years.
They beat the Reds at Anfield in Steven Gerrard’s final home game, in what was the first of three consecutive victories in that stadium for Palace, the last of which made life difficult for Liverpool in their quest for a top-four spot.
Then, after seven years without success at Anfield, the Eagles delivered a gut punch last April, earning a 1-0 win, which was the beginning of the end of Liverpool’s title challenge.
This might not be a foregone conclusion for Liverpool, given the recent home struggles in this fixture.
Palace, however, tend not to fare well on the road on the final day.
The best bet for this fixture is a bet builder featuring Salah to score, and for the Egyptian to also receive a yellow card.
Sunday is Salah’s last chance to draw level with, and perhaps even overtake, Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer, who share the record for goal contributions in an individual Premier League season with 47.
It’s also punters’ last chance to try our luck with what has become a popular bet for certain players. Big occasions or milestones tend to bring the most passionate celebrations out of players, and that applies to Salah this weekend.
He had something up his sleeve when he netted in the title-clinching game against Tottenham Hotspur, but the selfie-taking moment did not meet the threshold for a yellow card.
Perhaps if he bags on trophy lift day, he’ll cross the line and take off his shirt, as he did when firing in the winner at Southampton in November. At the odds quoted, it’s well worth a small play for some interest. I expected it to be a fair bit shorter.
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