Prediction: Fulham vs Liverpool

Verdict: Total goals under 2.5

Best odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

With optimism waning on the red half of Merseyside, Liverpool head to London on Sunday for a Premier League showdown with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Both sides saw winning streaks halted on New Year’s Day, and each will be eager to start 2026 on the front foot.

Fulham

Marco Silva’s men had strung together three consecutive league wins—against Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham—before their run ended in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike threatened to hand Palace the spoils, but Tom Cairney’s crisp finish in the closing stages salvaged a point for the hosts.

Despite that setback, Fulham remain firmly in the hunt for European football. Sitting 11th, they are only three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, and victory on Sunday would cut Liverpool’s advantage to the same margin.

However, history offers little comfort for Silva, who has lost all 11 of his Premier League matches against reigning champions—the worst 100% defeat record for any manager in the competition. Still, Fulham can take heart from last season’s meetings with Liverpool, when they claimed four points, including a memorable 3-2 win at Craven Cottage just weeks before the Reds lifted the title.

Team News

Kenny Tete is unlikely to feature after sustaining a hamstring injury, paving the way for Timothy Castagne’s return. Silva will also be without Josh King (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), and Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring), while Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey remain on AFCON duty.

Harry Wilson, once on Liverpool’s books, has been a creative spark, contributing four goal involvements in his last seven home appearances—one more than in his previous 20 combined.

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah’s absence has not derailed Liverpool’s momentum, but his magic was sorely missed in Thursday’s goalless draw with Leeds United. The Reds generated nearly two Expected Goals yet failed to convert, raising fresh doubts about their attacking sharpness and Champions League credentials.

Arne Slot’s side remain fourth in the table, but missed the chance to open a gap on Chelsea and Manchester United, who sit just three points behind. For a team that endured a torrid two-month spell earlier in the season—losing nine of 12 matches—an eight-game unbeaten run represents progress, even if expectations have been tempered.

Liverpool now seek a fourth away win in five outings across all competitions. They have scored at least twice in five of their last seven road trips, with only Manchester City and Inter Milan keeping them quiet.

Team News

Florian Wirtz may be rested after hamstring concerns, opening the door for Cody Gakpo. Alexander Isak (ankle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), and Salah (AFCON) are definite absentees, while Wataru Endo (ankle) is unlikely to feature. Joe Gomez could return, and Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez are expected to reclaim starting roles after midweek rotation.

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings between these sides have been goal-laden, with 20 strikes across the last four Premier League clashes. Fulham’s 3-2 win here last season broke a long drought, and Silva will hope history repeats itself against a Liverpool side still searching for consistency.

Conclusion

While past encounters suggest fireworks, fatigue from Thursday’s fixtures could temper the tempo.

Fulham’s resilience and Liverpool’s attacking frustrations point toward a cagey contest, with a low-scoring draw the most likely outcome at Craven Cottage.

Verdict: Total goals under 2.5

Best odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Betfair