Programme notesArne Slot: Our objective now is to build on performances and results

The Reds take on Oliver Glasner's Eagles at Anfield this afternoon in the fourth meeting between the clubs this season.

The head coach writes: "Having won our last two league games, our objective now is to build on the performances and results we had against Fulham and Everton so that we can finish the season on a high.

"This is not to say that even if we achieve this aim we will have had the season that we wanted or even close to it, but it would allow us to take something tangible and important from it, as well as some momentum to take into the next one.

"For this to happen we have to continue to show the same qualities that we showed in last weekend's Merseyside derby – togetherness, defiance, team spirit and a willingness to work and fight even when things appear to be going against us.

"I joked after the game that given how unlucky we have been with injuries that our U8s should prepare themselves in case they are needed, and the reality is that we keep on having to dig deeper within our squad to find solutions.

"This was demonstrated once again on Sunday when we had to turn to our third-choice goalkeeper following an injury to Giorgi Mamardashvili.

"Thankfully, Freddie Woodman came on and performed with incredible composure in such testing circumstances, and he played an important role in terms of helping us to get over the line.

"This is why I have to give the players so much credit. Freddie is the latest example but there have been many more and on top of this we have several players who have appeared week in, week out giving everything they have at times when I have not had as many options as any of us would like.

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"Today's game will be another test in this regard as we will almost certainly be without Giorgi and will definitely not have Hugo Ekitike, who is going to be out for a while.

"The loss of Hugo for an extended period is a big blow, especially as he was having such a promising first season with us, so I know that I speak for everyone when I wish him a speedy and full recovery.

"While he and others are out, we need to keep pushing ourselves so that the team is in a strong situation when they do return. In the first instance, this means making the most of games like this one against an opponent which we know from experience only ever provides a proper test in whichever competition you come up against them.

"I would like to welcome Oliver Glasner, his players and staff and the directors and supporters of Crystal Palace to Anfield once again.

"On the previous occasion we met here this season, they were deserving winners but hopefully this time we will be able to give a more realistic impression of who we are both in terms of the players who are available to start and also our performance levels.

"Finally, today is the dedicated game to The Red Way, which represents Liverpool FC's commitment to build a better future for our people, our planet and our communities.

"This is a subject which is important to everyone at the club, especially as we are able to see close up the work that is being done across the AXA Training Centre, Anfield and various other sites to support our environmental efforts.

"This is an important part of what we do but also who we are and what kind of club we want to be. We also see how the club celebrates important moments like Black History Month, and International Day of Disability – for example, the visits of Isaac and Reagan to the training ground in recent years will always stick with us.

"We will continue to build on this work along with our supporters and hopefully this will help all of us to look forward to a brighter future."