Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the table against Fulham.
The Reds had a rare off weekend after that the postponement of the Merseyside derby but they have seen their seven-point lead cut to four as a result. With Chelsea and Arsenal in the hunt for Arne Slot’s side, a home win against Fulham is of paramount importance as the games continue to come thick and fast in the festive period.
Liverpool enjoyed fierce duels with the Cottagers over four meetings last season and will be wary of the threat posed by the west London side. Alexis Mac Allister, who scored a goal in this game last season, is suspended this Saturday, while Conor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas and Ibrahima Konate are absent as Slot looks to manage his squad effectively.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up at the weekend.
GK: Alisson – Alisson showed his worth when he returned from the treatment room during the week. The Brazilian, who has been covered by the impressive Caoimhin Kelleher for the past two months, started against Girona in the Champions League and dazzled with a typically excellent display.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Slot learned about the dangers of resting Alexander-Arnold against Newcastle United about ten days ago. Liverpool struggled without any of their main playmakers and the No.66 provided two assists in a 23-minute cameo from the bench.
CB: Joe Gomez – Gomez doesn’t always cut a commanding figure at the back, even with Virgil van Dijk in tow. He struggled against Arnaut Danjuma midweek and will be tested by the in-form Raul Jiménez on Saturday.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – You know what you’re going to get from the Liverpool skipper, who is a beacon of consistency. The tall Dutchman has been integral in the Premier LeagueThe most severe defense this season.
LB: Andy Robertson – After enduring a shaky and unpredictable start to the campaign, Robertson improved greatly against Girona. He may have a tougher time against the baby-bound Adama Traore at the weekend.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai – Mac Allister’s suspension for five Premier League yellow cards means Slot can use the same midfield that faced Girona. Unlike his teammate Van Dijk, it is often difficult to predict which Szoboszlai you will witness on any given day.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – Gravenberch produced another important defensive midfield performance in Spain without regular partner Mac Allister, who was suspended again on Tuesday night. He has been very consistent this season.
CM: Curtis Jones – Jones has shown his ability to make a difference for Liverpool in recent weeks and Slot will want some magic from the home side this weekend after a flat performance against Girona.
RW: Mohamed Salah – incredibly salah he has scored in each of his last seven Premier League games. He is closing in on Jamie Vardy’s record 11-match streak and would be foolish to bet against the Egyptian net at the weekend.
ST: Luis Diaz – Darwin Nunez continues to frustrate those on Merseyside and his midweek performance was not enough to earn him a start against a weakened Fulham backline. Diogo Jota could be in Saturday’s matchday squad after a lengthy injury lay-off, but Diaz is likely to lead the line.
LW: Cody Gakpo – After scoring in successive games against Real Madrid and Manchester City, Gakpo returned clean sheets against Newcastle and Girona. He scored and assisted against the Cottagers last season.
