Liverpool seek a response as they look to bounce back from their 0-0 stalemate against Leeds United. The Reds currently sit fourth in the Premier League.
Liverpool travel to West London needing to reignite their momentum. Thursday’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Leeds United at Anfield halted a four-game winning streak and felt like a missed opportunity. The performance lacked quality upfront, magnified by injuries to Aleksander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s continued absence at the Africa Cup of Nations.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”04742eb90cefa12a5e3ab9bae92c2b93″ image-id=”ARCH598006_00290413″ style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4173px; aspect-ratio: 4173/2783;”]
Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the need for improvement, anticipating a different challenge this weekend. “I expect a different game against Fulham,” Slot said. “I think they will try to attack a lot and want to have the ball a lot… it probably will be a much more open game.”
Team News and Absences
Salah is not the only absentee. Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are long-term casualties, while Wataru Endo is unlikely to feature. There is better news regarding Joe Gomez, who may return to training, and Florian Wirtz, who is being monitored for a minor hamstring issue.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”04742eb90cefa12a5e3ab9bae92c2b93″ image-id=”neimtkJ96BQx” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3953px; aspect-ratio: 3953/2636;”]
Fulham have their own significant selection headaches. The AFCON tournament has deprived Marco Silva of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze. Injuries also rule out Rodrigo Muniz and likely Ryan Sessegnon, with Kenny Tete a major doubt after going off midweek.
The Fulham Challenge
Despite these absences, Fulham represents a tough proposition at Craven Cottage. Silva’s side are unbeaten in four league games and have proven to be awkward opponents for Liverpool in recent seasons. The Reds failed to win any of their three meetings with Fulham last term, including a league defeat in this fixture.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”598d587f82f0613dc60f89d2daf94a61″ image-id=”marco_silva_1747044878773″ style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 1520px; aspect-ratio: 1520/855;”]
History, however, suggests goals. The last goalless draw between these sides at Craven Cottage occurred in April 1963.
What to Expect
This match presents a clear test of Liverpool’s resolve. Slot will demand a more incisive attacking display, likely leaning on the in-form Hugo Ekitike. With the table tight around Champions League spots, Chelsea and Manchester United are now just three points behind the fourth-placed Reds. A positive result is required to maintain their Champions League pursuit.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, January 4th
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 EST
- Venue: Craven Cottage
- TV Coverage: UK Broadcast (Sky Sports Main Event), US Broadcast (Telemundo), Canada (FuboTV)
