Following Arsenal`s dropped points on Saturday, Liverpool has a golden opportunity to advance their Premier League title chase by securing a victory against Fulham on Sunday. With just 11 more points needed to clinch the title, and no Champions League distractions, Arne Slot`s team can fully focus on this goal.
While Fulham has shown improvement this season, Liverpool is confident in overcoming any obstacle in their path. The Reds have already demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from defeats in the Champions League and EFL Cup final by winning the Merseyside derby against Everton. Sunday`s game is another chance to build momentum and strengthen their Premier League title bid as the season nears its end.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, April 6
- Location: Craven Cottage — London
- Live stream: Peacock
- Odds: Fulham +320; Draw +260; Liverpool -120
Previous Encounter
Fulham is among the few Premier League teams to take points from Liverpool this season, securing a draw in December 2024. Despite Andrew Robertson`s red card in the 17th minute, Liverpool showed resilience and managed to equalize twice, even outperforming Fulham in chances created. However, playing at Craven Cottage presents a different challenge compared to a home game.
Coach Insights
Alisson may miss the match as he recovers from concussion protocol. Slot is unlikely to take risks, especially with a reliable backup goalkeeper like Caoimhin Kelleher. The Irish goalkeeper has already started nine league games this season and could be in line for another start on Sunday.
Slot stated, “With Ali, it`s straightforward – it`s a concussion, and we must follow all protocols. He will play when he clears all stages of the protocol; otherwise, we will adhere to the guidelines.”
Considering Giorgi Mamardashvili`s expected arrival from Valencia next season, Liverpool`s goalkeeping situation might change, along with other positions. For now, the priority is securing the title, with future decisions to be made after the season concludes.
What`s at Stake
With numerous uncertainties looming beyond this season, Liverpool`s immediate focus is to secure the Premier League title as quickly as possible. Questions about the future of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil Van Dijk can wait until the title race is resolved. Winning this match and accumulating the remaining 11 points needed for the title is paramount. Putting the Champions League exit behind them is also crucial for team morale.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham: Bernd Leno, Antonee Robinson, Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen, Timothy Castagne, Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi, Andreas Pereira, Willian, Raul Jimenez
Liverpool: Caoimhin Kelleher, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Kounate, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota
Player Spotlight
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool: Salah is in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot and could also become the league`s top assister, a feat last achieved by Harry Kane. He also has the opportunity to break a record at Craven Cottage. If Salah contributes to two or more goals, it would be his fifth consecutive away match doing so, surpassing Thierry Henry`s record from 2003. This season marks Salah`s second spell of four such matches, highlighting his exceptional performance and the potential to stand alone with a fifth.
Key Match Storyline
Can Fulham Cause an Upset? Despite Liverpool being favored to win comfortably, Fulham faces pressure to perform at home. With slim hopes for European qualification, Fulham needs all three points and has managed to take points from Liverpool earlier this season. However, the stakes are higher now. Curtis Jones is expected to play at right-back, potentially giving Fulham opportunities on the wing, but they must be clinical with limited chances.
Match Prediction
Liverpool is expected to handle business and continue their march towards the Premier League title. Their Premier League form has been dominant, with only one loss this season. Led by Salah, they should have enough firepower to overcome Fulham, even playing away from home. Prediction: Fulham 0, Liverpool 2
