Fulham star is already worried Liverpool ace might score a hattrick on Sunday

When Liverpool visit Craven Cottage this Sunday, it will mark their fourth encounter with Fulham this season.

The teams have already faced off twice in the League Cup, with Liverpool securing a 2-1 victory at Anfield and drawing in London, and once in a thrilling Premier League match in December that ended in a 4-3 comeback win for Liverpool—one of the season's standout moments.

Fulham's Tom Cairney, who started the last match at the Cottage and provided an assist at Anfield, recently shared his thoughts with Soccer Special on Sky Sports (16/04/24 at 7:25 pm).

Despite Liverpool's recent struggles with finishing, Cairney steered clear of criticism, stating, "I am not going to say they can't finish."

Cairney is wary of provoking a strong response from Liverpool's forward line, including Darwin Nunez, who he half-jokingly noted could end up scoring a hat-trick.

Following Liverpool's unexpected 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, which has significantly impacted their title aspirations, the upcoming game is anticipated to be tightly contested.

Cairney expressed respect for Liverpool, emphasising the quality Klopp's team brings to the pitch.

"We have played them three times this season," he recalled. "I am sure you watched the League Cup; we lost by a goal over two legs and had an amazing 4-3 game at Anfield earlier in the season.

“Listen, I have never seen them in a bad game. They are a supreme football team. Amazing to watch for the neutral. Play forward. Aggressive. Counter-pressing. They create lots of chances. But I am expecting a reaction, it’s going to be a tough, tough game.

"They have quality all over the pitch. Jota coming back into the squad is a big bonus. We have always played well against Liverpool. But I won’t say they will miss most of their chances. I am sure they will create a few.”

With both teams eager to assert themselves - Liverpool to regain form and Fulham to capitalise on their home advantage - the stage is set for an intense and possibly decisive Premier League clash.

Fulham vs Liverpool is do or die

After being eliminated from the Europa League by Atalanta, it is imperative that Liverpool get themselves to a place where they can force their way back into the Premier League title race.

Of course, they're not technically out of it but with Manchester City in the driving race and reeling from their own European exit after losing to Real Madrid on penalties on Wednesday, it will take something dramatic to overtake them.

Arsenal too were knocked out of Europe (by Bayern) and they too will be desperate to win the Premier League title to salvage something from this campaign.

Jurgen Klopp will need to work a miracle from here to lift another league title before he retires from his Liverpool post at the end of the season.

It might not be the ending that the German was desperate for but his time on Anfield will not be remembered based on this season alone.