Roy Hodgson says the measure of playing Liverpool in an empty Anfield stadium as compared to facing them in front of the packed crowd means nothing.

The manager in his pre-match conference spoke that although the attendance of fans invigorates games however a team’s quality matters most in terms of the competition.

"Nothing changes in terms of that quality of the opposition," he said.

"The quality Liverpool have and the way they play, their organization and determination to keep going despite the fact they’ve had the title in their pocket for quite a while.

"For me, it’s as it always is: 22 actors on the field, each trying to do his best to get a result. That’s all I can hope for my team."

Liverpool will welcome Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday night hoping to comfort fans with a victory and welcome their first Premier League title for decades. The Reds drew goalless at the Goodison Park on Sunday, June 21, 2020, and supporters were not convinced at the team's sloppy performance.

The availability of Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson means Liverpool will start strongly as witnessed throughout the season in their quest to be coronated as soon as possible.

According to the former Liverpool manager, playing against England’s two top teams (Liverpool and Manchester City) defines the level of competency of the opposition in the game.

"You relish facing Liverpool and Manchester City not because you think we’ll have an easy game, you relish it because it proves to you that you are at the very top level of football you can reach in England.

"These are the flagships of our league - not the only ones but they're in that bracket. You relish playing against them because it means you’ve given yourself a chance against them.

"You don’t relish it because you’ll find it easy and be able to play your football comfortably. You’re playing a team who’s won the league this year deservedly so. 

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"They [City and Liverpool] are slightly different in their style of play and pose slightly different challenges. Both provide challenges that are not insurmountable but cause you plenty of concern... You’ve got to find a way with your team of combating that quality.

"It’s wrong to make comparisons. Last year, it was a fight to the wire and Man City took it and this year Liverpool have kicked on or had the rub of the green, they might say."

A win for the Reds means, the Reds will require Manchester City to drop points against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday to be champions. If Manchester City wins, Liverpool would be required to seek for a point when they face Guardiola's side at the Etihad next month.

The Reds would also pursue revenge against the Eagles after their chances of winning the Premier League in 2015 was ruined by a Palace 3-3 comeback against Brendan Rodgers side.

Liverpool were 2-1 winners at Selhurst Park against Palace in the first leg.