Prediction: Liverpool vs Fulham

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Betfair

Liverpool will resume their Premier League campaign this Saturday as Fulham visit Anfield, following the postponement of the Merseyside derby due to Storm Darragh.

Despite not playing last weekend, Arne Slot’s side benefited from results elsewhere, maintaining their position as Premier League leaders. The Reds will now aim to extend their strong start to the season against Fulham, who face a daunting task on the road.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s postponed fixture grants them a game in hand over their title rivals for the foreseeable future, presenting a significant opportunity. With both Arsenal and Manchester City dropping points last week, the Reds remain well-positioned to capitalize as the title race intensifies.

The Reds’ Premier League aspirations remain strong as Chelsea emerge as their closest challengers, trailing by four points. Arsenal and Manchester City’s slip-ups softened the impact of Liverpool’s late draw at Newcastle last week—just the third instance in 21 games under Arne Slot where the Reds have dropped points.

Slot’s side continued their stellar form midweek, clinching a 1-0 victory over Girona in the Champions League, preserving their perfect record in the competition. Back at Anfield, where they’ve won 12 of their last 13 games, Liverpool will aim to maintain their scoring spree, netting at least twice in seven consecutive league matches.

With the year’s Premier League goalscoring record within reach, Liverpool will be confident against Fulham, a side they swept aside last season with seven goals across two games.

Team News

Liverpool are bolstered by key returns as they prepare to face Fulham, with Alisson making a triumphant comeback midweek, recording five saves in a clean sheet at Girona. Diogo Jota has resumed training and could feature, while Federico Chiesa’s return is also imminent.

However, Alexis Mac Allister will serve his suspension in this match following the derby postponement, leaving Dominik Szoboszlai to step in once more. Manager Arne Slot faces a decision in attack, potentially rotating between Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, depending on Jota’s readiness for action.

Fulham

Marco Silva’s team proved to be a tough challenge for Liverpool last season, pushing them to the brink in multiple encounters. At Anfield, Fulham led 3-2 with just 10 minutes remaining before Liverpool staged a dramatic comeback for a 4-3 victory. Similarly, in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, Fulham managed to take an early lead, showcasing their ability to unsettle the Reds despite Liverpool’s eventual successes.

Fulham’s strong start to the Premier League season continues, with their 23 points from 15 games marking their second-best tally at this stage, trailing only the 25 points they amassed in 2003/04. Despite sitting in 10th place, they remain just four points off the top four, reflecting the tight competition in the league’s upper half.

Their defensive resilience was on display last weekend, as they held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, aided by a late VAR offside decision overturning Bukayo Saka’s potential winner. However, Fulham have never beaten Liverpool at Anfield in front of a crowd, and Marco Silva’s managerial record against the Reds stands at just one win in 11 attempts. Notably, his 5-2 defeat at Anfield with Everton in 2019 led to his dismissal.

Team News

Silva will have to work around several absences ahead of their trip to Anfield. Calvin Bassey is suspended, while Joachim Andersen remains sidelined with a calf injury that has kept him out for three matches. Jorge Cuenca could step in for his full Premier League debut, having previously made only late substitute appearances.

Midfield is also depleted, as Harrison Reed is out until 2025 following knee surgery, and Tom Cairney serves the last of his three-game ban after his red card against Tottenham. On the wing, Reiss Nelson missed the Arsenal game due to a hamstring issue, leading to Adama Traore stepping into the starting lineup.

Conclusion

Fulham have shown they can be a threat when underestimated, but Liverpool’s response to their earlier setback against Nottingham Forest has been emphatic. The Reds have maintained a ruthless edge in the Premier League, capitalizing on opportunities to stay ahead.

With the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points by playing ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool are firmly in control. Their strong record of nine wins in 12 Premier League encounters with Fulham underlines their status as clear favorites for this clash.

However, the Cottagers should be strong enough to find the back of the net at least once.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Betfair