Liverpool will aim to get their Premier League title challenge back on track when they welcome Fulham to Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds have managed just one win in their last three Premier League games but remain only two points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal. They pinched a point against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend thanks to a late strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to winning ways by thumping LASK Linz 4-0 on Thursday to qualify as the group winners for the last 16 of the Europa League. Having won all 10 of their home fixtures so far this term, they will be favourites against Fulham, who came out victors in the 3-2 thriller against Wolves at Craven Cottage on Monday.
Liverpool Team News
Both Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota picked up injuries against Man City and are sidelined. Liverpool are also without long-term absentees Thiago Alcantara, Andrew Robertson and Stefan Bajcetic, so Jurgen Klopp will have more or less the same squad that face LASK Linz in midweek.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Fulham (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
With Alisson injured, Caoimhin Kelleher started in goal against LASK Linz and made a couple of good saves to keep his clean sheet intact. The Northern Irishman will be eyeing back-to-back clean sheets at home when Fulham visit Liverpool on Sunday.
Defence
Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip were both rested in midweek and will come back in the starting XI against Fulham. The duo will continue their strong partnership in central defence, hoping to protect Kelleher from being exposed too much.
One of the first names on the teamsheet, Trent Alexander-Arnold is certain to start at right-back after coming on as a substitute against LASK Linz. Meanwhile, Kostas Tsimikas should retain his place at left-back.
Midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai should be fresh to start on Sunday after being rested on Thursday evening, and Liverpool will rely on his power, direct running and creativity to unlock the Fulham defence. The Hungarian will be joined by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the park, with the Reds looking to set the tempo of play against the Cottagers from the first minute.
Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo could be involved at some point in the second half of the game.
Attack
Mohamed Salah, who netted in the 4-0 win over LASK Linz, is now just one goal away from his 200th goal for Liverpool. He will want to achieve this milestone at the weekend in what will be his 300th start for Klopp’s side. The Egyptian is certain to start on the right flank, with Luis Diaz bringing speed and flair from the other wing.
Cody Gakpo bagged a brace in Liverpool’s win over LASK Linz, and the Dutchman could be preferred over Darwin Nunez to spearhead the attack against Fulham. In that case, Nunez will be raring to make an impact off the bench.
