Fulham vs Liverpool preview, stress factors in west London
Liverpool journey to Craven Cottage this weekend with urgency buzzing beneath the floor. The brand new yr started with out the raise Arne Slot needed, a goalless draw at Anfield in opposition to Leeds that stalled momentum and halted a 4 recreation successful run throughout all competitions. For a aspect that lifted the Premier League crown final season, fluency and authority are demanded fairly than hoped for.
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That stalemate carried consequence. Liverpool missed the chance to edge away from Chelsea and Manchester United within the crowded chase for Champions League qualification and, by the point they kick off in west London, might discover themselves 9 factors adrift of third positioned Aston Villa. January hardly ever defines a season, however it typically sharpens it, particularly for elite sides nonetheless looking for rhythm after festive congestion.
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Fulham kind and confidence underneath Silva
Fulham method this contest with quieter confidence. Marco Silva’s aspect confirmed resilience on Thursday night, recovering from a aim down to attract with Crystal Palace and stretch their unbeaten Premier League run to 4 matches. There may be coherence of their play and perception of their construction, even when assets are stretched by absences.
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Craven Cottage has not been a forgiving venue for Liverpool of late. Throughout Slot’s title successful marketing campaign final season, Fulham proved awkward opponents and Liverpool didn’t win any assembly with Silva. That included a league defeat in west London, solely their second of the 2024-25 marketing campaign, a reminder that management on paper doesn’t all the time translate on grass.
Staff information and key absences
Fulham’s choice points are concentrated round availability fairly than stability. Their AFCON trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze stay absent as Nigeria put together for spherical of 16 motion in opposition to Mozambique. Ryan Sessegnon is uncertain after six video games out with a thigh damage, Rodrigo Muniz is sidelined for one more month, and Kenny Tete’s early exit in opposition to Palace locations his involvement in critical doubt.
Liverpool’s listing is equally disruptive. Mohamed Salah is away on AFCON responsibility with Egypt, eradicating a central reference level in assault. Long run damage casualties Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni stay unavailable, whereas Wataru Endo is once more anticipated to overlook out. There may be cautious optimism round Joe Gomez, who is because of return to coaching, and each Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez are pushing for recollects after bench roles in opposition to Leeds.
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The place Fulham vs Liverpool will be watched
Within the UK, the match will probably be proven stay on Sky Sports activities. Protection begins at 2pm GMT on Sky Sports activities Principal Occasion, forward of a 3pm kick off. Sky Sports activities subscribers may stream the sport by way of the Sky Go app. Highlights will probably be accessible from 5.15pm GMT on the Sky Sports activities app and YouTube, with Match of the Day airing on BBC One at 10.30pm.
Fulham are ticking together with objective, their solely latest disappointment coming by way of late Carabao Cup heartbreak in opposition to Newcastle. Liverpool, against this, appeared in need of concepts in opposition to Leeds and, shorn of key attackers, face one other testing afternoon. This seems like a second that calls for readability from Slot’s aspect fairly than persistence.