Anfield Anticipation: Liverpool vs Fulham
Familiar faces, potential transfer targets, and former rivals will all be returning to Anfield on Sunday as Liverpool face Fulham in the Premier League.
The clash marks the start of the Reds’ busy festive schedule, where they will be looking to make up valuable ground in their push towards the Premier League title.
But today we’re going to be taking a deeper look at the opposition and what to expect from Marco Silva’s side.
Recent Form: Fulham’s Journey to Anfield
Fulham come into the game on the back of a hugely controversial, 3-2 home victory over Wolves, where a stoppage time penalty converted by Willian secured the three points.
Prior to that, the Cottagers had just one win in seven Premier League games with that being a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Sheffield United back in October.
Their only other win since then had come against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round.
Marco Silva’s side currently sit 14th in the Premier League, but comfortably sitting ten points above the relegation zone.
The former Everton boss has received plenty of plaudits during his time in West London, establishing Fulham as a decent Premier League side.
Key Threats: Fulham’s Players to Watch
Joao Palhinha:
The Portuguese defensive midfielder has been regularly linked with a move to Anfield over the past 12 months, largely due to his fantastic performances last season.
Palhinha had seemingly secured a deadline day move to Bayern Munich before that move collapsed, but has kept up his fine form so far this season regardless.
The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the Premier League, averaging 9.60 duels won and 7.75 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
He also poses a threat offensively, already scoring two goals from midfield this season.
Antonee Robinson:
The full-back has also been one of Fulham’s standout performers since their return to the Premier League in 2022.
Robinson is one of the most promising defensive full-backs in the division, averaging 5.83 duels won and 6.67 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
Sunday could be the trickiest game of his season so far though, as he will be tasked with keeping Mo Salah quiet.
The USA international has also managed two assists for his teammates so far this season.
Willian:
The experienced Brazilian winger is Fulham’s top goal scorer this season, with three goals to his name.
Willian will likely be deployed on the left-hand side of Fulham’s attack and will look to exploit any space behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal winger has plenty of experience and always has a moment of magic in his locker, so Jurgen Klopp’s defenders will need to be completely switched on.
If Willian doesn’t perform to his best, Liverpool academy graduate Harry Wilson could make an impact from the bench.
Final Prediction: Liverpool’s Prospects
I think Liverpool will win this one fairly convincingly, although the scoreline may not reflect it.
Fulham will be very organised defensively and be hard to break down, but I also don’t think they will have the clinical nature or pace to cause any real problems on the counter-attack.
Therefore, I’m going to back the Reds to come out 2-0 winners on Sunday.
Final Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Fulham Goal Scorers: Virgil Van Dijk + Mohamed Salah
