Liverpool vs Fulham Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Both teams to score
As Liverpool return to Premier League action following the postponement of their Merseyside Derby clash with Everton, all eyes will be on Anfield to see how the league leaders handle the mounting pressure from their closest rivals.
Fulham, buoyed by a strong campaign, arrive hoping to shake up the title race further after holding Arsenal to a draw in their last outing.
Liverpool: Defending the Summit
Liverpool sit atop the Premier League table, and with Manchester City and Arsenal dropping points last week, the Reds are in prime position to extend their lead.
Chelsea’s resurgence, however, has added a layer of competition, with the Blues cutting Liverpool’s lead to just four points. A win in this fixture would allow Liverpool to restore breathing room, especially with a game in hand.
Manager Arne Slot will be relieved to return to the fortress of Anfield after a frenetic 3-3 draw away to Newcastle and a hard-fought 1-0 Champions League victory over Girona.
Liverpool’s home form has been imperious, winning 12 of their last 13 matches (L1) and keeping eight clean sheets.
Key to Liverpool’s success is their talismanic full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been in sparkling form. The defender scored home and away against Fulham last season and provided two assists in the thrilling draw with Newcastle.
Remarkably, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League games in which Alexander-Arnold has scored or assisted (W12, D5).
Fulham: Aiming for Another Upset
Fulham enter this game full of confidence, having done Liverpool a favour with a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in their last match.
The Cottagers have had a solid season, securing 23 points from 15 matches— their second-best tally at this stage in the Premier League era.
Despite this strong form, Fulham’s away record has been less impressive, with only nine of those points coming on the road.
Manager Marco Silva faces an uphill battle against Liverpool, as his personal record against the Reds is bleak, with just one win in 11 meetings across four clubs (D4, L6).
The visitors can take solace in the fact that they are one of the last four teams to win at Anfield in the Premier League since March 2021. That famous 1-0 victory in 2021 was their only win in the last 14 head-to-head meetings with Liverpool (D3, L10).
Raúl Jiménez will be Fulham’s key man to watch. The Mexican striker has six goals for Fulham this season, all of which have been match openers. His knack for striking early could test Liverpool’s otherwise solid defence.
Tactical Battle
Liverpool’s high-tempo, possession-based approach will aim to overwhelm Fulham, with Alexander-Arnold’s creative influence from deep and the pace of their forward line likely to be key.
Fulham, on the other hand, will look to frustrate the Reds by maintaining a compact defensive shape while hitting on the counter.
Fulham’s success will depend heavily on their ability to withstand early pressure and capitalise on Liverpool’s occasional defensive lapses. Marco Silva will likely instruct his side to target set-piece opportunities and exploit any transitional moments.
Players to Watch
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): With a history of delivering against Fulham, Alexander-Arnold will be instrumental in Liverpool’s attack and defensive organisation. His vision and pinpoint passing could unlock Fulham’s defence.
- Raúl Jiménez (Fulham): Jiménez’s tendency to score early makes him a constant threat. His ability to lead the line and bring others into play will be crucial for Fulham’s counter-attacking strategy.
What’s at Stake
For Liverpool, this match is an opportunity to consolidate their lead at the top of the table and restore momentum after a week’s break. A victory would ease the pressure from Chelsea and City while reinforcing their title credentials.
For Fulham, this is a chance to further disrupt the title race and continue their impressive season. A positive result at Anfield would be a significant boost to their confidence and solidify their status as a dangerous mid-table side capable of upsetting the league’s heavyweights.
Prediction
Fulham have shown they can compete against top teams, but Liverpool’s formidable home form and superior quality make them favourites. Expect Fulham to put up a fight, but the Reds’ attacking firepower and Alexander-Arnold’s influence should see them through.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Fulham
With the pressure on Liverpool to maintain their lead at the top and Fulham seeking to pull off another upset, this promises to be an exciting clash at Anfield. Will Liverpool march closer to the title, or can Fulham play spoiler once again? Football fans won’t want to miss this one.
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