In the initial face-off at Anfield two weeks ago, Fulham took the lead, shocking the Reds with a 2-1 loss despite their comeback prowess. The thrilling seven-goal encounter showcased Fulham's ability to find the net, even though Liverpool ultimately secured a 4-3 victory.
Willian capitalized on a Virgil van Dijk mistake, giving Fulham an early lead, but Curtis Jones's fortunate equalizer and Cody Gakpo's contribution turned the tide in Liverpool's favor.
While the additions of Gakpo and Darwin Nunez played a role in Fulham's setback, there is optimism among the traveling fans, as Fulham's debut in the EFL Cup semi-final is far from decided.
Fulham aims to defy the odds and become the 37th team to compete in the EFL Cup final. However, historical statistics show that only 25% of teams losing the first leg managed to overturn the tie in the second meeting.
Despite a morale-dampening West London derby loss to Chelsea, Fulham heads back to Craven Cottage, where they have triumphed in five of their last six matches. Liverpool, with a first-leg advantage, seeks a record-extending 14th appearance in the EFL Cup final, with only Middlesbrough in 1997-98 denying them such an opportunity.
The Reds, currently leading the Premier League, showcased their attacking prowess in a recent 4-0 victory over Bournemouth. Klopp's side has been formidable since Christmas, securing three consecutive away wins without conceding a goal. While their last two visits to Craven Cottage ended in draws, another stalemate would suffice for Liverpool in this crucial encounter.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
At the moment, Fulham has only one player, Adama Traore, under the care of the medical team, and there's a possibility he could recover from his hamstring strain in time to face the Reds. However, a spot on the bench seems to be the best-case scenario for the Spaniard.On the other hand, three players representing their countries in the Africa Cup of Nations - Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Fode Ballo-Toure - remain unavailable for selection. Fortunately, there are no new concerns arising since Fulham's 1-0 defeat against Chelsea two weekends ago.
Harrison Reed, who was an unused substitute at Stamford Bridge after playing through illness in the first leg, is set to rejoin Joao Palhinha in the middle. Willian, if he scores again, would become just the third player to achieve the feat of scoring in both legs of an EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool, following in the footsteps of Paul Merson and John Robertson.
In the Liverpool camp, Mohamed Salah has temporarily returned to Merseyside for treatment on a muscular injury sustained during Egypt's draw with Ghana. There is optimism that he will rejoin the national team in time for any potential semi-final.
Wataru Endo remains fit and active with Japan, but Jurgen Klopp will continue to miss several players due to various injuries, including Thiago Alcantara (hip), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Joel Matip (ACL), Ben Doak (knee), Kostas Tsimikas (collarbone), Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee), and Andrew Robertson (shoulder).
There's hope that Dominik Szoboszlai's thigh problem may heal in time for him to face Fulham, providing a timely return, especially after Curtis Jones reported hamstring tightness against Bournemouth. However, Jones's substitution appeared to be more precautionary than indicative of a serious issue.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Diop, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Elliott, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Jota, Nunez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Fulham 0-2 Liverpool
With their backs against the wall, Silva's team has no choice but to go all out. While Liverpool may face challenges defensively against a determined Fulham, Klopp's in-form attackers have the potential to retaliate fiercely, potentially securing the Reds a ticket to Wembley.
