Fulham vs. Liverpool: 10 key things to know ahead of the first of 6 must-wins - Liverpool FC

Liverpool face one other awkward Premier League conflict at Fulham on Sunday, however solely a win will do for the Reds within the title race.

Fulham vs. Liverpool

Premier League (33) | Craven CottageApril 21, 2024 | 4.30pm (BST)

Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect have had an actual wobble of late, not least at house to Crystal Palace final weekend, however extra slip-ups can’t be afforded now.

On Sunday, Liverpool head to a Fulham aspect with little to play for this season, however that’s to not say it gained’t be a troublesome project.

Right here’s all it’s worthwhile to know forward of the sport.

1. The primary of six possible must-wins

With Liverpool’s Europa League dream over, it’s now sole give attention to the league and these six mammoth remaining fixtures this season.

The chances are the Reds must win each recreation to have any probability of glory, given Man Metropolis‘s relentlessness and type run-in.

That begins at Fulham on Sunday, however big enhancements are required if Liverpool are to get near ending with a 100% report.

With out being too detrimental, present proof means that factors will likely be dropped in additional video games than not.

Klopp’s reign can’t exit in a whimper, although, so right here’s hoping the German and his gamers have a legendary final hurrah in them.

2. Fulham Premier League also-rans this season

There are battles happening on the prime and backside of the Premier League, in addition to the highest 4 race, however Fulham aren’t concerned in any of them.

Marco Silva’s aspect have been one of many extra forgettable groups within the division this season, however that’s a praise if something.

Fulham sit twelfth within the desk heading into the weekend motion, with Silva turning them into a longtime top-flight outfit.

The Cottagers have already gained at house to Arsenal this season, which ought to act as an actual warning signal to Liverpool.

Type – Final 5 in all competitions

Fulham (most up-to-date L-R): W, L, L, D, WLiverpool: W, L, L, D, W

3. Who’s injured for Liverpool?

There are once more no new health issues for Liverpool, which is among the most important positives on present presently.

Conor Bradley continues to be lacking after struggling an ankle harm at house to Palace final Sunday, and his return to coaching is pencilled in for the beginning of Could.

Nothing has modified concerning Joel Matip, Thiago and Ben Doak, all of whom possible gained’t play once more this season, whereas Stefan Bajcetic is working his method again to health after a run out with the under-21s.

In any other case, Klopp has a totally match squad to select from.

4. Time to rotate the XI?

Klopp made three modifications within the 1-0 win away to Atalanta on Thursday and you wouldn’t be stunned to see extra rotation at Fulham.

Ibrahima Konate struggles to play matches in quickfire time and this could be a fourth in a row, so Jarell Quansah is more likely to be most well-liked on the again.

Wataru Endo ought to come back again in on the base of the midfield, permitting Alexis Mac Allister to push additional up the pitch.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones are each struggling for prime kind, so it’s simple to see both making method for Harvey Elliott.

Darwin Nunez could return to the assault, however in equity to Cody Gakpo, he has been one in every of Liverpool’s higher gamers of late and Diogo Jota must be within the working.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliot, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Jota

5. How will Fulham line up?

Fulham picked up a powerful 2-0 win away to West Ham final weekend and have had all week to organize for Liverpool.

There is no such thing as a motive for Silva to make modifications to his workforce, particularly given the end result final time round, so the Cottagers might be unchanged.

Tosin Adarabioyo will once more be a key man at centre-back, having loved a powerful season, whereas Liverpool-linked midfielder Joao Palhinha is a colossal tackling machine.

No participant within the Premier League has made extra tackles (130) this season.

In the meantime, Alex Iwobi and Willian might be on both flank, with the spectacular Rodrigo Muniz main the road, scoring eight objectives in 14 Premier League begins in 2023/24.

Potential Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Palhinha; Iwobi, Pereira, Willian; Muniz

6. “We now have to start out turning it round”

When previewing the conflict and run forward, Klopp is aware of near perfection is required to remain within the title race:

“The factor is evident: if you wish to be champion within the Premier League, it’s a must to be near perfection.

“And if we aren’t excellent, it’s a must to take care of the setbacks in the very best method or within the excellent method – and that’s what we are actually doing.

“So we had a setback week, in order for you, with three video games we didn’t like an excessive amount of, the outcomes particularly, and now we’ve to start out turning it round.”

7. Previous Craven Cottage thrillers

There’s one thing about Liverpool and late drama at Fulham, with two Premier League classics standing out.

Yossi Benayoun’s last-gasp strike again in 2008/09 felt prefer it had put the Reds accountable for the title race, in what was a second for the ages.

Admittedly, Liverpool didn’t win the league that season, however it was nonetheless a purpose that will likely be ceaselessly cherished.

Equally, Steven Gerrard‘s stoppage-time penalty at Fulham in February 2014 felt like an enormous purpose, however Man Metropolis ultimately prevailed within the title battle.

The Reds haven’t misplaced at Craven Cottage since December 2011, when Clint Dempsey scored the one purpose, however they had been held to a irritating 2-2 draw there on the opening day of final season.

A pleasant serene win this time round could be a lot appreciated!

8. Do you know?

Liverpool’s profligacy in entrance of purpose has been well-documented of late and as soon as grim statistic sums up their struggles.

The Reds have now failed to attain a purpose from open play of their final 337 minutes of motion, going again to Luis Diaz‘s opener at Man United within the league.

Since then, solely two Mohamed Salah penalties have been scored, which is a damning indictment of how wasteful Liverpool have been.

It’s not like they haven’t created a ton of possibilities in that point!

9. Pawson takes cost at Craven Cottage

Craig Pawson has been confirmed because the referee for Sunday’s recreation, in what’s his third Liverpool match of 2023/24 so far.

The primary was the 2-0 win at house to Everton within the Premier League, which noticed him ship off Ashley Younger, and the second was the 3-0 victory over Southampton within the FA Cup fifth spherical.

Pawson was additionally the fourth official within the dramatic 2-1 win away to Newcastle earlier within the marketing campaign, when Virgil van Dijk was proven an prolonged ban for his therapy of the officers.

In the meantime, Tony Harrington is on VAR, Richard West is his assistant at Stockley Park, and Sam Allison is on fourth official obligation.

Marc Perry and Wade Smith are Pawson’s assistant referees.