Preview: Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that striker Mario Balotelli will require a fitness test ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

The Italian forward has been struggling with a hamstring injury, but he will start at Selhurst Park providing that he has fully recovered from the problem.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson should be available to start despite sitting out England's win over Scotland on Tuesday night, but Daniel Sturridge is out until the New Year after suffering a recurrence of a thigh problem.

The pressure has begun to build on Rodgers in recent weeks after just one win in six games, and with the club currently sitting in 11th position, three points are realistically required to quieten the doubters on Merseyside.

When he arrived for a second spell at the Eagles, Neil Warnock brought about an immediate improvement to the club's results but four defeats in five games has left Crystal Palace just above the relegation zone.

Warnock's squad is boosted by the return of Miles Jedinak, who sat out the defeat to Manchester United through suspension, but after a long-haul flight due to international duty, he might only be fit enough for the bench.

Yannick Bolasie could also miss out for the same reason, while James McArthur is a doubt after suffering with a calf problem.

Crystal Palace:

Recent form: WLLDLL

Possible starting lineup: Speroni; Mariappa, Delaney, Dann, Ward; Puncheon, Ledley, Jedinak, Bolasie; Chamakh, Campbell

Liverpool:

Form in Premier League: DWWDLL Form in all competitions: LDWLLL

Possible starting lineup: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno; Gerrard, Can, Henderson; Coutinho, Sterling; Balotelli

Sports Mole says: 1-1