Fulham vs Liverpool: Preview, predictions and lineups

Liverpool are aiming to take another step towards the Premier League title when they take on Fulham in the capital on Sunday afternoon.

Anfield breathed a huge sigh of relief on Wednesday night when the Reds’ slender Merseyside Derby was confirmed, as Diogo Jota’s lovely solo goal separated the two sides after a nervy opening hour.

Arne Slot’s could extend their advantage over Arsenal to 14 points after Everton did them a favour by taking points off Liverpool’s sole title challenger in the opening game of the weekend.

Fulham succumbed to Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday, meaning they’ve tasted back-to-back defeats in all competitions. They’re now ninth in the table, but Marco Silva’s side still have a shot of securing their first European berth in over a decade given how tight the top half is.

The two sides played out a riveting, back-and-forth contest in the reverse fixture back in December, with the spoils shared in a 2-2 draw. Andy Robertson’s early sending off aided the visitors, who relinquished a 1-0 lead before fighting back to earn a point.

Here is 90min’s guide to Sunday’s Premier League clash.

Fulham vs Liverpool head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Silva changed tack at the Emirates on Tuesday night, deploying a back five, and although Liverpool are the Premier League’s highest scorers, expect Fulham to return to their usual back four.

Calvin Bassey could partner Joachim Andersen at centre-back, with Antonee Robinson, who impressed in the reverse fixture, flying down the left flank.

The hosts are once again without Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson through injury. Reiss Nelson is out for the season due to a significant hamstring issue.

Fulham predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Adama, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez.

Slot has confirmed that Alisson and Conor Bradley will be further assessed ahead of Sunday’s game, with the pair missing Wednesday’s Merseyside derby. Liverpool’s number one had suffered a concussion on international duty with Brazil.

Bradley has a chance of returning to the fold at Craven Cottage, with Curtis Jones deputising at right-back last time out. Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain sidelined.

There aren’t expected to be many changes to the Reds’ XI from their hard-fought win over the Toffees, although Cody Gakpo could come back into the side down the left flank.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota.

These past few weeks have been a slog for Liverpool, and it doesn’t look like Slot’s side are quite going to simply waltz to the title despite their huge buffer.

There’s bound to be a few more hiccups along the way, and the Reds may have to settle for a point this weekend. Fulham have lost back-to-back games, but they remain a tough outfit and could take advantage of the frailties Liverpool manifested in defensive transition against Everton.

But, with several home games left to play and their advantage over Arsenal huge, a draw in west London is not the worst result.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Liverpool

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