Liverpool secured their spot in the Europa League last 16 with a convincing 4-0 victory over LASK Linz on Thursday. Meanwhile, Fulham controversially emerged as 3-2 winners against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.
Despite a dampening 3-2 loss to Toulouse three weeks ago, Liverpool secured the top spot in their Europa League group with a Cody Gakpo brace, a Luis Diaz header, and Mohamed Salah's 199th goal for the Reds.
Heading into an intense December schedule, Liverpool aims to continue their impressive home form, having won all 10 fixtures at Anfield this season by a two-goal margin or more. In the recent top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City, Trent Alexander-Arnold's brilliant strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for the Reds.
Fulham, on the other hand, experienced a VAR-influenced match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with contentious decisions leading to three spot kicks in the second half. Willian's twice-converted penalties secured a 3-2 win for Fulham, ending their four-game winless run in the league.
Although Fulham currently sits in 14th place with a comfortable 10-point lead over the relegation zone, their upcoming visit to Anfield raises challenges. Fulham has conceded in their last nine matches across all competitions, and they haven't secured a win in their last six Premier League away games.
Historically, Fulham struggles to score at Anfield, managing only four goals in 16 Premier League games against Liverpool at the iconic venue.
Despite these challenges, Fulham's last encounter with Liverpool in May was a closely contested match, decided by a Salah penalty. The Cottagers will aim to build on the momentum from their recent win and put up a strong performance at Anfield, where they hope to defy historical trends.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Following the win over LASK, none of Jurgen Klopp's players have reported new injury concerns, a relief compared to the previous stalemate with Man City. In that match, both Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota experienced leg muscle issues in the second half.Alisson is set to spend a few more weeks in the treatment room, paving the way for Caoimhin Kelleher to make his sixth Premier League start for Liverpool. On the other hand, Jota's injury is more serious, and Klopp cannot provide a definite timeline for the Portuguese attacker's return.
As a result, Diaz is expected to maintain his position in Liverpool's attack for the upcoming match against Fulham. Klopp will continue to miss the services of long-term absentees Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Thiago Alcantara (hip), and Stefan Bajcetic (calf). Mohamed Salah needs just one more goal to reach an impressive tally of 200 for the Merseyside giants.
For Fulham, manager Marco Silva will welcome back midfielder Joao Palhinha, who missed the win over Wolves due to suspension. Either Tom Cairney or Harrison Reed is likely to make way for Palhinha. The Cottagers emerged unscathed from their victory over Wolves, but Issa Diop is not expected to return from his foot problem just yet. Adama Traore (thigh) and Rodrigo Muniz (knee) remain unavailable.
With Alex Iwobi and Willian finding the net against Wolves, former Liverpool winger Harry Wilson may not secure a starting position against his former team. Silva faces a defensive dilemma with Tosin Adarabioyo's return from a groin procedure.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Iwobi, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 3-1 Fulham
Liverpool has been prolific in scoring goals at home, and with key players well-rested and returning to the lineup, Jurgen Klopp's team is expected to extend their perfect home record on Sunday without facing significant obstacles.
