Fulham and Liverpool face off this Sunday at Craven Cottage in the 20th round of the Premier League, at a moment that demands a clear response from both teams. Liverpool arrive under pressure after a frustrating goalless draw against Leeds at Anfield, a result that cost them the chance to close the gap on the teams above.
With 33 points, the Reds remain in fourth place, six points behind third and already 12 adrift of Arsenal, the runaway leaders. Fulham, meanwhile, are also coming off a 0–0 draw against Leeds at home and will look to lean on the home factor to maintain a strong campaign that has them sitting fifth, also on 33 points.
Fulham arrive with absences and try to hold their ground
Fulham head into the match aware they’re facing an opponent that has historically dominated this matchup, but also confident that their position in the table hasn’t come by chance. Since the 2011–12 season, when they completed their only league double over Liverpool, the club have won just two of the last 14 Premier League meetings between the sides. Still, Craven Cottage carries some curious numbers.
There hasn’t been a scoreless draw between Fulham and Liverpool at the stadium since April 1963, which fuels expectations of a more open game than the recent goalless results for both teams. Marco Silva’s main concern is the list of absences. Rodrigo Muniz, Ryan Sessegnon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze are all out, while Josh King and Kenny Tete remain doubts.
Probable Fulham lineup: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Lukic, Berge, Smith Rowe, Kevin, Wilson, Raúl Jiménez.
Liverpool need a response without Salah and under table pressure
On Liverpool’s side, the context is more uncomfortable. The home draw against Leeds was seen as below expectations, not only because of the scoreline but due to its direct impact on the standings. Without Mohamed Salah, who remains with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, Arne Slot also has other absences to deal with, including Endo, Joe Gomez, Isak, Giovanni Leoni and Scanlon. Even so, recent history at Craven Cottage favors the Reds.
Liverpool haven’t conceded a league goal in their last ten visits to Fulham, with the last defeat there coming in April 2009, when Yossi Benayoun scored a stoppage-time winner. Still, past records don’t ease the current urgency. The gap to the top has grown, and another slip could turn the title race into a battle merely for European spots long before the season reaches its final stretch.
Probable Liverpool lineup: Alisson, Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Frimpong, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Where to watch Fulham vs Liverpool in the Premier League
United Kingdom: Sky Go UK, NOW, Sky Go Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, BBC Radio 5 Live.
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada.
United States: USA Network, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com.
What is the date and kick-off time for Fulham vs Liverpool in the Premier League?
United Kingdom: 3:00 p.m.
United States and Canada (Eastern Time): 10:00 a.m.
United States and Canada (Pacific Time): 7:00 a.m.