Paul Merson and Alan Shearer have both backed Liverpool to strengthen its position at the top of the Premier League with a win over Fulham.
The Reds have had their lead in the title race cut down to four points over the last week or so following the 3-3 draw at Newcastle and the postponed Merseyside derby against Everton.
Although Arsenal and Manchester City both missed the opportunity to make up more ground last weekend, Chelsea made no mistake, with Enzo Maresca’s side now Liverpool’s closest challenger as the end of 2024 approaches. Arne Slot’s team though still holds a healthy advantage, with a game in hand of course.
And having returned to winning ways against Girona in the Champions League - albeit with a performance that didn’t leave their boss best pleased - former Arsenal midfielder Merson doesn’t see Fulham stopping the Reds in their tracks.
Predicting a 3-1 win for Liverpool, Merson told Sportskeeda: “Someone has to stop this Liverpool juggernaut and we expect it to happen at some point this season. For now, they look in good shape. Alisson returned to the team after his injury and looked like he was never away during the win over Girona. It just shows how good a goalkeeper he is. Caoimhin Kelleher stepped up so well in the absence of Alisson, but keeping the Brazilian out now will be incredibly tough.
“Diogo Jota is also back from injury and given how Darwin Nunez has failed to set the stage on fire in his absence, I expect Arne Slot to trust the Portuguese more. But I still like Nunez as an option off the bench. He can ruffle a few feathers, can be a real handful and is still someone you don’t want to play against if you’re a defender! I have no doubt that he will have an impact at some point this season. Liverpool win for me, I don’t think Fulham can trouble them too much here.”
Alan Shearer has backed Liverpool to win against Fulham
Alan Shearer has backed Liverpool to win against Fulham (Image: Getty Images)
Shearer agrees, with the former Newcastle and England striker backing Liverpool to extend its lead over Chelsea to seven points before the Blues face Brentford on Sunday.
“Liverpool home win,” Shearer told Betfair. “They're in great form, and they had a week off last weekend before returning with a Champions League win on Tuesday without playing really well.”
While both Merson and Shearer expect Chelsea to narrow the gap to four again on Sunday, Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Brentford could do the Reds a favor at Stamford Bridge.
Having predicted a 2-1 win for Liverpool, Lawrenson also backed Brentford to bag a 2-2 draw on their travels, telling Paddy Power: “Chelsea look good at the moment but it feels like as soon as we all jump on the bandwagon and start thinking they’ve got a chance of doing something they slip up and drop points so it could be a mad, high-scoring draw.”