The very mention of Crystal Palace can send shivers down the spine of any Liverpool fan.
Why? Because it triggers all sorts of horrible memories in which the Eagles inflict painful results on their beloved club.
Recent woes for Liverpool against Crystal Palace include a 3-1 defeat in what was Steven Gerrard’s final game at Anfield in May 2015, as well as a 2-1 loss six months later where ex-Eagles boss Alan Pardew effectively told an irate Jurgen Klopp to talk to the hand.
And who can forget the time when Liverpool threw away a 3-0 lead in nine second-half minutes to draw 3-3 at Selhurst Park in May 2014?
The result, cruelly known as ‘Crystanbul’, effectively ended Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes for the 2013/14 season.
But the times are a changin’ and Liverpool fans should go into the clash against Roy Hodgson’s side with every reason to be optimistic.
Not only are Liverpool looking good with a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League, it’s been confirmed Palace will have to call upon veteran goalkeeper Julian Speroni to play at Anfield after a double injury blow for Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey.
The stats appear to be on Liverpool’s side, too. They’ve actually won five of their last six Premier League matches against the south London side.
Palace won the other game 2-1 at Anfield in April 2017 thanks to former Red Christian Benteke’s brace.
Incidentally, this was the last time Liverpool lost a home game in the Premier League at Anfield, so Klopp’s men will fancy their chances.
There are no guarantees in football, of course.