Liverpool and Fulham meet this Saturday for matchday 16 of the Premier League. The event is set to take place in Anfield, where the table-leading Reds of Arne Slot look to keep their blistering form with 35 points from 14 matches. However, a recent 3-3 draw against Newcastle and some shaky performances against Girona in the Champions League raised concerns. While Fulham is coming with the flow, sitting 10th with 23 points, off an impressive draw against Arsenal, hoping for an upset.
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Liverpool in control of the lead but facing challenges
Liverpool have had a season-opening spell that has been expected of them, but Arne Slot knows there's much work to be done. While the wins have come, such as the recent one against Girona, the manager pointed out defensive weaknesses that remain a concern: "If a game isn't going well, you can't allow the number of opportunities we gave away in the first half."
The game against Newcastle also brought on the requirement for vigilance. Even when Alisson Becker is expected back, another test of the defense will come. Slot acknowledged the importance of recovery by Alisson and time invested in getting him back to full fitness.
"I hope the time we gave him to get back to his best level will help us in the long run, not just for a few weeks. But it's something that needs to be shown over the coming weeks and months. He's worked hard with our medical and performance staff to get here."
Along with Alisson, the return of Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota is a big boost. Chiesa has not played since September, while Jota has been out since October. Their presence adds depth and firepower to an attack already spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, whose consistency has been a hallmark of Liverpool's success.
Slot praised Salah's ability to deliver both on and off the ball: "He's the final product of our attacks, and he's been doing it so well for years now. Let's hope we can keep it going in the coming weeks."
Fulham's organization and resilience to surprise
Marco Silva's Fulham are aware that they are coming up against one of the sterner challenges of the campaign thus far. Anfield has indeed become a fortress for opponents to visit, while Liverpool, in his words, have been "the most consistent team in the league so far.
Not to be discouraged, Silva cuts a confident figure, using the back-to-back appearances of Fulham at Anfield in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup last term to keep his optimism up: "Games were very close, and team responded well. We will do same, performance, but with another result.
In fact, the recent draw with Arsenal showed how well-disciplined and intense Fulham were at the back. Silva pointed to their ability to contain top teams and highlighted a weapon his side will have to use in quick counterattacks: "They are currently the form team. They are achieving the best results, and what Arne Slot has done has been outstanding.
The defensive consistency at Fulham has been its strong point. They finally conceded against Arsenal in a set piece, which was the well-organized nature of that team. That same discipline will be crucial if they are to challenge Liverpool at Anfield.