Liverpool suffered a fifth straight home defeat for the first time in their history on Thursday, after losing to Chelsea. Just three days later the Reds welcome another side from West London, Scott Parker’s Fulham who lost to Spurs after going five games unbeaten in the league. The Cottagers have been hard to beat recently with solid defensive displays, so it will be a big test for the struggling Liverpool side to get their first home win of 2021.
Fulham have the chance to climb out of the relegation zone with a win at Anfield if Newcastle lose at The Hawthorns earlier that day. For Liverpool, it’s a must-win game against relegation-threatened opposition, and most of the responsibility rests on their attack. Ozan Kabak is doubtful for this fixture with a knock but Nat Phillips is expected to be fit again and Diogo Jota, who returned to action in the midweek and will push for a starting spot.
Let us now have a look at how Jurgen Klopp might set his Liverpool side up against an in-form Fulham.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 has been Liverpool’s go-to formation under Jurgen Klopp. Alisson will most likely retain his place in goal with Nat Phillips replacing Ozan Kabak. Fabinho who returned to action against Chelsea may retain his place with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson operating out wide. No changes are expected in the midfield or upfront despite the lack of goals this year.
Fulham’s young backline has been solid recently with Lyon loanee Joachim Andersen in brilliant form. Liverpool managed just a single shot on target against Chelsea and will need their talisman and top scorer Mohamed Salah to find his form back. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino need to find goals to put their side back into contention for a top-four finish.
THE 4-2-3-1
Diogo Jota’s return to fitness might tempt Klopp to use the 4-2-3-1 system to increase their firepower upfront. Without a single goal from open play at home this year Liverpool, don’t even look close to the side that was scoring at will irrespective of the opposition. Despite being in the relegation zone, Fulham have a better defensive record than Liverpool who have employed nineteen different centre back pairings because of injuries. So, chances may be hard to come by and the Reds need to be clinical to beat the Areola who is enjoying a good first season in the Premier League.
Thiago has looked like a shadow of the player he was last season when he helped Bayern to the treble, and fans are desperate to see the best of him. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson will be in charge of most of the creative plays from wider areas but will need to look out for Fulham’s top scorer De Cordova-Reid and the skilful Ademola Lookman.
Liverpool were held to a stalemate at the Craven Cottage but have been by far the dominant side head to head. Despite contrasting ambitions, with one team looking to stay in the top flight and the other trying to secure Champions League football we can expect a close game. Fulham will look to pile up more misery on the hosts who want to rebuild their once impregnable fortress.
