Liverpool will face Fulham in the Premier League clash after their intense Champions League victory over Girona during the midweek. The Reds are facing the West London club after they secured a 1-1 draw against title rivals Arsenal last weekend.
As the ruthless fixture congestion continues, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot faces a big challenge in deciding his starting eleven. The postponement of the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park last weekend provided Liverpool a unique opportunity to rest their players.
However, Liverpool are facing problems with injuries and suspensions while some players return to the squad, providing a significant boost. The Reds have won 19 games from 22 matches in all competitions and must continue their strong run in December.
As the European fixtures take the backseat until next year, Liverpool will play in the Carabao Cup game against Southampton. Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League with a four-point advantage over Chelsea and a game in hand.
Nevertheless, there is no room for complacency or any small margin of error as psychological advantages play a critical role. Any shift in momentum can prove too costly or allow the Reds a much-needed room to breathe amid several adversities.
Slot has so far balanced the team availability with tactical requirements according to the opposition that Liverpool faced this season. This is the first time the Dutchman is navigating a team through the December period which is unique in England.
Defence
Liverpool will keep the same defence that they used against Girona where they secured a clean sheet. Alisson Becker returned to action against the Spanish club and delivered a sensational performance to prove why he is the first-choice goalkeeper.
Caoimhin Kelleher made a critical decision-making error against Newcastle United which cost two points to the Reds. Nevertheless, the fans are grateful to the Irishman for holding the fort when Alisson suffered an ill-timed hamstring injury.
Virgil van Dijk will partner Joe Gomez who replaced an injured Ibrahima Konate since the Real Madrid game. Gomez has struggled with rustiness which is hopefully beyond, potentially starting his fourth game in a row.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will start the game in the absence of their deputies Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister will fulfil his Premier League suspension for Liverpool against Fulham after reaching the yellow card threshold against Newcastle United. Liverpool will use the same midfield that played against Girona with the hopes of similar dominance in possession.
The predicted starting eleven for Liverpool against Fulham in the Premier League game at Anfield on Saturday.
The predicted starting eleven for Liverpool against Fulham in the Premier League game at Anfield on Saturday.
Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones will play as the double pivot along with Dominik Szoboszlai in a more advanced role. Harvey Elliott provided a major boost after returning from his early season injury and could feature in the second half.
Attack
Slot faces a serious conundrum in the attack department with Darwin Nunez delivering two sub-par performances in a row. Nevertheless, the Dutch head coach backed the Uruguayan forward and highlighted his overall contribution to the team.
While Nunez deserves the full support just like any other Liverpool player, Slot has a big decision to make. Slot has played Luis Diaz as the false nine against Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City where he delivered good performances.
Slot rested Cody Gakpo against Girona in midweek as part of a rotation and will potentially play against Fulham. Both Gakpo and Diaz have enjoyed sensational form this season while competing with each other for the left-wing spot.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah remains the first-choice right-wing option for the Reds as he continues his prolific form. Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are potentially available in the squad for the game, providing Slot a massive bench boost.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Fulham – Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo