Liverpool head to Craven Cottage on Sunday looking to regain momentum after a frustrating New Year’s Day stalemate, as they face Fulham in the Premier League.
The Reds saw their winning run halted by a goalless draw with Leeds, while Fulham were also forced to settle for a point after being held 1-1 by Crystal Palace.
Liverpool’s ability to cope without Mohamed Salah has largely impressed since the winger departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, but his absence was more noticeable in midweek as Arne Slot’s side failed to convert dominance into goals against Leeds.
Despite generating close to two expected goals, the champions could not find a breakthrough, leaving them fourth in the table and only three points clear of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Away from home, Liverpool have been more productive. They have scored at least twice in five of their last seven matches on the road in all competitions and are seeking a fourth win from their last five away outings.
Fulham, meanwhile, saw their own three-match winning run come to an end against Crystal Palace. Tom Cairney’s late equaliser salvaged a point after Jean-Philippe Mateta had put the visitors ahead, ensuring Marco Silva’s side avoided back-to-back league defeats.
Team news for Fulham v Liverpool
Liverpool may opt to manage Florian Wirtz carefully after he was flagged for hamstring fatigue in midweek. The German is not injured but could be rested, which would likely open the door for Cody Gakpo.
Mohamed Salah remains unavailable due to international duty, while Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined with ankle and ACL injuries respectively.
Wataru Endo is also expected to miss out, though Joe Gomez could return if deemed fit.
For Fulham, Kenny Tete is unlikely to recover from a hamstring issue, with Timothy Castagne set to deputise at right-back. Josh King, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz are also injured, while Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Harry Wilson comes into the fixture in good form, having contributed four goal involvements across his last seven home league appearances.
Expected line-ups for Fulham v Liverpool
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, De Cordova-Reid; Jimenez
Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Ekitike
How to watch Fulham v Liverpool: TV channel, online stream
Kick-off on Sunday is at 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET / 07:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
The stats for Fulham v Liverpool
• Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions
• Liverpool have scored at least twice in five of their last seven away games
• Fulham are unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches at Craven Cottage
• Fulham took four points from two league meetings with Liverpool last season
• Marco Silva has lost all 11 of his Premier League matches against reigning champions
• There have been 20 goals scored across the last four Premier League meetings between the sides
Prediction
Recent meetings between Fulham and Liverpool have produced plenty of goals, but midweek fatigue and squad rotation could temper the tempo this time around.
Fulham’s organisation at home may be enough to frustrate a Liverpool side still adjusting without Salah.
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