Liverpool vs Fulham: Iraola’s Reds Ready to Turn Momentum Into a Winning Run

Photo: IMAGO
By Steven Smith
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Liverpool vs Fulham – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 12th September 2026

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

After three games of the new Premier League campaign, Liverpool are finally beginning to look like the team Andoni Iraola was brought in to create.

Two draws opened the season, but victories over Ipswich and Atlético Madrid have completely changed the mood around Anfield. The Reds have found their rhythm, and the support is increasingly feeling this could be the start of something very exciting.

A win at Ipswich and a victory over visiting Atlético Madrid leave the Liverpool support salivating at the more aggressive and attack-minded team that Iraola is building.

Now they need to make it three wins in a row.

Liverpool: The Iraola Revolution Is Gathering Pace

Liverpool’s opening two draws were frustrating, but they now feel increasingly like the teething problems of a new regime.

The victory at Ipswich was important because it finally gave Iraola his first Premier League win, but overcoming Atlético Madrid at Anfield was arguably more significant.

That was a completely different test.

Liverpool had to withstand pressure from one of Europe’s most experienced sides before taking control and eventually earning a deserved victory. The second-half performance demonstrated that this team is capable of adapting during matches rather than simply relying on one style of play.

There is now genuine momentum.

Alexander Isak has already started to demonstrate why Liverpool wanted him leading the attack, while Florian Wirtz is beginning to look increasingly comfortable in the attacking midfield role. Víctor Muñoz and Bradley Barcola provide pace and directness, giving Liverpool options to attack from wide areas.

The midfield still has areas that need improving, but the overall direction is obvious.

Iraola wants Liverpool to play with greater intensity, aggression and purpose.

The support is responding to it.

This should be an opportunity to take another step forward. Fulham will arrive determined to make life difficult, but Liverpool have home advantage, confidence and an attacking unit that is beginning to click.

I think everything comes together today on Merseyside.

Fulham: Arbeloa Faces an Uncomfortable Return

Fulham will not simply arrive at Anfield to make up the numbers, but this is an extremely difficult fixture for Álvaro Arbeloa.

The former Liverpool player returns to his old club as Fulham manager, which will inevitably make this an emotional occasion. However, once the whistle goes, sentiment will disappear.

Arbeloa will know exactly what Anfield is capable of when Liverpool are playing with confidence.

His Fulham side will need to be disciplined, compact and extremely efficient in possession. Giving Liverpool space to attack could be fatal, particularly with Isak occupying the centre-backs and Wirtz looking to exploit the areas around the Fulham midfield.

The visitors will also need to cope with Liverpool’s pressing.

That is one of the defining differences between the current Liverpool side and what we saw previously. Iraola’s team wants to hunt the ball back quickly, force mistakes and immediately turn turnovers into attacking opportunities.

Fulham therefore cannot afford to be careless.

There is also the fascinating subplot of Arbeloa returning to Anfield. He will receive a warm reception from the supporters, but he will be hoping to leave with something to show for his return.

Liverpool, however, should have too much.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1)

GK – Alisson Becker

RB – Ronald Araújo

CB – Jérémy Jacquet

CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Milos Kerkez

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

CM – Dominik Szoboszlai

AM – Florian Wirtz

RW – Víctor Muñoz

LW – Bradley Barcola

CF – Alexander Isak

Final Word

This feels like the game where everything finally comes together.

Liverpool have won their last two matches, confidence is rising, an,d sup is beginning to believe in what Iraola is building.

Fulham could provide a stubborn test, and Arbeloa will undoubtedly want to make his return to Anfield memorable for all the right reasons.

But Liverpool are playing with momentum.

The attacking football is becoming more aggressive, the players are beginning to understand Iraola’s demands and the quality in the final third should be too much for Fulham to contain.

I expect Liverpool to dominate from the opening whistle and produce their most complete Premier League performance of the season.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 3 – 0 Fulham

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