Liverpool XI vs Fulham: Predicted Lineup, Team News and Injury Latest Ahead of Craven Cottage Test
Liverpool head into Sunday’s Premier League trip to Fulham with selection decisions still being finalised, as Arne Slot balances fitness concerns, fixture congestion and tactical priorities. With the title race finely poised, every detail matters, and the predicted lineup reflects both caution and intent.
The visit to Craven Cottage arrives less than 72 hours after Liverpool’s goalless draw with Leeds, a match that raised fresh questions around player availability. Several senior figures are expected to return to the starting XI, while others remain under assessment as the coaching staff manage workloads during a demanding winter schedule.
This latest team news offers insight into how Liverpool are shaping up, who remains unavailable, and which tactical calls could define the contest.
Squad Fitness Picture Before Fulham Clash
Liverpool’s medical staff continue to monitor Florian Wirtz, who was withdrawn midway through the Leeds fixture after reporting discomfort in his hamstring. While the club are not overly alarmed, the short turnaround between matches has prompted a conservative approach. Wirtz has not completed full training sessions this week, making a start uncertain.
Arne Slot acknowledged the risk involved in extending minutes during such a congested period, suggesting player welfare will dictate selection. As a result, Cody Gakpo is expected to return to the starting lineup, having fully recovered from his recent injury layoff and impressed in training.
Elsewhere, Alexis Mac Allister is set to come back into the side after being named on the bench last time out. His inclusion is likely to alter Liverpool’s midfield balance, potentially shifting Dominik Szoboszlai into a wider attacking role to maximise his ball-carrying and pressing strengths.
Defensively, Milos Kerkez is in line to reclaim the left-back position after being rested against Leeds. The decision is viewed internally as rotation rather than form-related, with Kerkez having become a trusted option in Slot’s system.
Joe Gomez has returned to partial training following a three-week absence and could be named among the substitutes, though a starting role would be considered premature. Wataru Endo remains sidelined with an ankle issue sustained in early December, while Mohamed Salah continues his international commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Selection Decisions at Full-Back and Midfield
One of the key tactical questions surrounds the right-back position. Jeremie Frimpong was deployed further forward against Leeds, offering width and pace in advanced areas. Slot must now decide whether to persist with that approach or revert Frimpong to a deeper role.
Conor Bradley remains a strong alternative, particularly if Liverpool opt for a more conservative defensive structure against Fulham’s wide threats. The choice will likely be influenced by how Slot intends to control transitions, an area Fulham have exploited effectively at home this season.
In central defence, Ibrahima Konate is available and expected to partner Virgil van Dijk, having avoided suspension last time out. The pairing provides physical authority and recovery pace, crucial against Fulham’s direct attacking options.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup and Tactical Shape
Liverpool are expected to line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to maintain midfield control while allowing fluid movement across the front line.
Alisson is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk and Kerkez. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones are likely to operate as the double pivot, providing a blend of ball progression and positional discipline.
Ahead of them, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gakpo are expected to support Hugo Ekitike, who continues to lead the line in the absence of Alexander Isak, who is recovering from a fractured leg.
Match Context and Viewing Details
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Craven Cottage. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with Liverpool aiming to maintain momentum as the Premier League title race intensifies.
Slot’s selection choices will offer further clues about how Liverpool intend to navigate the coming weeks, where squad depth and intelligent rotation may prove decisive.
