Match Preview
A dramatic turnaround has seen Liverpool win four straight Premier League (PL) games to allay fears that they won’t compete in European competitions next season. This was the case just a few weeks ago. The most recent was their thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, where despite leading 3-0 after just 15 minutes, the Reds needed a goal from substitute Diogo Jota in the 94th to secure the victory and the victory.
Jürgen Klopp’s mental state appeared to be affected by the game, despite the fact that Jota’s winning goal was the sixth occasion one of his replacements had scored a 90+ minutes winner in the Premier League, which is the joint most of any manager. Instead, Klopp celebrated the goal in front of the fourth official and received a booking, then it appeared that he also tore his hamstring. Additionally, after the game, he made derogatory comments about referee Paul Tierney, getting himself into trouble with the FA.
Visitor’s Fulham are hoping to stop a two games losing streak and extend their recent unbeaten streak against Liverpool to four games (W1, D2). They will want to take advantage of their hosts’ possible emotional exhaustion. Although they lost their most recent game 2-1 to title chasing Manchester City, Marco Silva’s team displayed grit and determination despite the fact that it was the seventh time in eight games that they had lost to a team that had started the day higher in the standings (W1).
They will try to get past that when they visit Anfield, where the Cottagers are presently ninth in the Premier League table. They have, however, dropped four of their last five road games (W1), thus the odds are stacked against them.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has provided an assist for a goal in each of Liverpool’s last five games (A6), and he has a chance to become just the third player to do it in six straight Premier League games. He will also be defending against Harry Wilson, a former Red who has scored nine of his previous 12 goals for Fulham away from home, including one three weeks ago on Merseyside against rival Everton.
Team News
Rather surprisingly, Jurgen Klopp is the newest patient at the Liverpool hospital. He appeared to strain a muscle at the weekend while running to celebrate in front of fourth official John Brooks.
Liverpool continues to function without Calvin Ramsay (knee) and Stefan Bajcetic (adductor) while the 55 years old waits to learn the full extent of his illness. Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita will also be sidelined due to muscle issues.
Thiago Alcantara’s availability is also uncertain because he was notably absent from the matchday squad on Sunday and was spotted limping towards the benches. As a result, Klopp is dealing with a classic problem with his attacking options.
Given that Diaz might not be selected for two consecutive starts, Darwin Nunez might be called up as Jota has taken another blow and is now a question.
Tim Ream, the team’s captain, and Andreas Pereira, a midfielder, were both substituted against Man City due to grave injuries. Fulham also came away from the weekend with two further, major fitness worries.
Ream will miss the rest of the season due to a fractured arm, according to Silva, and Pereira, who was taken to the hospital after leaving the field on a stretcher with a broken ankle, will also miss the rest of the season.
While Willian is still questionable due to a thigh injury, Aleksandar Mitrovic is suspended, Layvin Kurzawa is out due to a knee injury, so Tom Cairney, Sasa Lukic, Manor Solomon, and Daniel James may all compete to replace Pereira. At the back, Ream will be immediately replaced by Tosin Adarabioyo.
Liverpool possible starting lineup
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Henderson, Fabinho, Jones, Salah, Gakpo and Nunez.
Fulham Possible starting lineup
Leno, Tete, Diop, Adarabioyo, Robinson, Reed, Palhinha, Cairney, Wilson, Vinicius and Solomon.
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We predict: Liverpool 3-0 Fulham
Fulham may still trouble a leaky and worn out Liverpool backline without their star creator Pereira, but their own shortcomings at the opposite end of the field should lead to their demise tonight.
The Reds haven’t exactly made their victories against West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham easy for their fans, but with an assault that is almost fully healthy and firing on all cylinders, a fifth straight victory awaits the top four outsiders.