LONDON — Liverpool, flawless in their Premier League title defence so far this season, will face a serious test when they visit unbeaten Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Arsenal cannot afford another Newcastle nightmare, while Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is in desperate need of a winning run.
Liverpool have got off to a flyer with seven straight wins in all competitions, but the Premier League leaders will face a stern examination at Selhurst Park.
The Reds, bolstered by their knack for scoring late winners, have marched five points clear after reeling off five successive league victories.
However, Oliver Glasner’s Palace are also flying high, in fifth place.
The FA Cup holders are the only other unbeaten team left in the top division and have enjoyed recent success against Arne Slot’s men, beating them on penalties in the Community Shield season curtain-raiser at Wembley in August.
Palace also drew 1-1 with champions Liverpool at Anfield on the final day of last season, an impressive result that ranks as part of their current 16-match unbeaten run in competitive matches dating back to April.
With Hugo Ekitike suspended, British-record signing Alexander Isak is set to lead the Liverpool attack after scoring his first goal for the club in the midweek League Cup win against Southampton.
Isak will be closely watched by Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi, who was on the verge of joining Liverpool before the move collapsed on transfer deadline day.
