Liverpool vs Fulham – News and Probable Lineups

The historical and contemporary Liverpool squads will clash at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, as the Reds take on Fulham, who are still looking for their first points of the Premier League season.

In their previous league encounter, Andoni Iraola’s team secured a 2-0 victory against Ipswich Town, while Fulham endured a third consecutive defeat, losing 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace.

Match overview

Liverpool has consistently scored multiple goals in each match since Iraola took charge, and they have paired this dynamic attacking play with improved defensive organization, making them formidable opponents both domestically and in Europe.

Following their triumph over Ipswich, thanks to a quick brace from Alexander Isak, Liverpool enjoyed a recent confidence-boosting win in Madrid, defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

It seems inevitable that Mac Allister would play a decisive role, especially considering he revealed that Liverpool won’t be extending his contract, but whether he can earn a new deal will depend on his overall performance throughout the season rather than just one standout moment.

The Reds will aim for their first home victory in the Premier League this season, also looking to end a streak of three consecutive draws in the league at Anfield, which is their longest winless run in the league since the COVID era.

Fulham had their first competitive win prior to facing Liverpool this season, defeating AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the second round of the EFL Cup, but they have little to celebrate in terms of Premier League performances.

The Cottagers have lost all three of their opening league matches this season in varying manners, failing to score against either Chelsea or Palace at home and also being unable to penetrate a solid Sunderland defense in a 1-0 defeat.

Although Fulham’s expected goals against the Eagles stood at 3.13, indicating that the scoreline did not fully reflect the performance, the main concern for traveling fans—some of whom booed the team and manager off at full-time last weekend—is the complete lack of points.

Only newly-promoted Coventry City are also yet to register a point this Premier League campaign, and throughout their previous two seasons in the top flight, Fulham faced relegation after losing their first four matches.

Nevertheless, the most recent relegation season—2020-21—also marks the last occasion when Fulham secured a league victory at Anfield, a 1-0 triumph in March 2021 thanks to Mario Lemina. Since that time, Liverpool has won four and drawn one of their five home matches against Fulham across all competitions, including a comfortable 2-0 win last April.

Team News

Fulham’s injury list remains unchanged from last week, with only Luc De Fougerolles and Tom Cairney sidelined as they recover from knee injuries.

Manuel Angel, David Affengruber, and Hugo Larsson were included in a Fulham matchday squad for the first time against Crystal Palace, although only Larsson made a brief appearance in the second half.

After expressing satisfaction with his players’ performance in the derby, Arbeloa is expected to maintain the same lineup, although Sander Berge could replace Oscar Bobb if a stronger defensive presence is deemed necessary.

On the other hand, Liverpool had to substitute both Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez before the end of Wednesday’s win against Atletico. However, Iraola confirmed these substitutions were due to cramping issues and not serious injuries.

Nonetheless, Cody Gakpo is doubtful due to an adductor problem that kept him out of the midweek victory, while Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Joe Gomez (muscle), and Federico Chiesa (back) are all unavailable.

Victor Munoz is ready to step in if neither Gakpo nor Barcola are fit to play, and Isak scoring on Saturday would see him surpass his Premier League tally for the entire 2025-26 season.

Liverpool probable starting XI:

Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Munoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isaac

Fulham probable starting XI:

Log; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Iwobi, King, Palacios; Garcia

Concerns over both Barcola and Gakpo are arriving at a bad time for Liverpool, but the Reds need to avoid solely depending on their forward line for goals, particularly against Fulham’s vulnerable defense.

Thus, Arbeloa’s return to Anfield promises to be a challenging experience, as the hosts look to extend their winning run while further questions arise regarding the future of the Cottagers’ head coach.