Liverpool takes on struggling Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend, and the Eagles will be forced to play without one of their key stars

Liverpool has been handed a boost ahead of the weekend's clash with Crystal Palace, as the Eagles will be without star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Frenchman's red card being upheld on appeal.

The 29-year-old was sent off early on in his side's previous clash with Tottenham, where a lunging challenge saw his studs collide with the back of Micky van de Ven's heel, sending him tumbling to the ground.

A yellow card was initially handed to Mateta, but after the VAR called the referee to the pitchside monitor to take another look at the challenge, the caution was overturned and a red card was brandished the striker's way.

Not only did it mean that Crystal Palace had to play the remainder of the game a man light, with Tottenham going on to win 2-0 on the night, but it also set the bagsman up for a three-match suspension.

Having felt the decision was harsh, the Eagles appealed against the decision, hopeful that the punishment would be overturned and Mateta would be available for a run of fixtures that could be crucial to Pierre Sage, as the manager remains under pressure following a difficult start to the season.

Unfortunately for the Selhurst Park outfit, there was no such luck with the appeal to the FA. A statement from the governing body confirmed that the appeal was unsuccessful, and that the striker would now serve a three-match ban, which includes the upcoming clash with Liverpool.

The statement reads: "An independent Regulatory Commission has dismissed claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment in relation to Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Crystal Palace striker was sent off against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday 31 October for serious foul play and he will be suspended for three matches. The Regulatory Commission's written reasons will be published in due course."

For Crystal Palace, it means finding a replacement for the man who has scored double figures for goals in the Premier League in each of the last three seasons. Jorgen Strand Larsen may be one option, though it will depend on him returning from an ankle injury that kept him out last week, while Eddie Nketiah is the next natural fit.

It's the type of dilemma that Sage could do without, with his position in the dugout seemingly under increasing pressure, with his side sitting 18th in the Premier League table, with just seven points from the opening nine games.

With the international break now on the horizon, with two weeks to make some important decisions, the head coach could do with a response, a performance and a result that is worthy of keeping the faith.

For Liverpool, a trip to Selhurst Park has always traditionally caused problems, with the Reds not always having their best day in London when facing Crystal Palace.

There will be some hope that, if Iraola's side are at their intense and clinical best, then it could be the type of day that not only produces a triumph with all three points, but a memorable performance and a few goals too. However, that all depends on the team showing up and finding a way to play at their best.

It sets up an intriguing clash on Sunday, with two teams looking to enter the international break on a high, while a defeat could make for a long few weeks without any action.