Fulham face Liverpool next up in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.placeholder image
Fulham face Liverpool next up in the Premier League at Craven Cottage. | Getty Images
Fulham see the champions Liverpool come to town in their next Premier League fixture
Marco Silva’s in-form Fulham side face a tough test up next as Premier League champions Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday, as the packed winter fixture list continues into the New Year.
The Cottagers are unbeaten in four league matches, winning three of those, to go level with London rivals Brentford and Crystal Palace in mid-table. After a challenging start to the campaign which saw Fulham in 16th place at the start of November, manager Silva has evidently found a winning formula.
Despite a dismal run of their own in the autumn, Liverpool have somewhat begun to turn things around since the end of November and have risen back into fourth place in the league after a seven-match unbeaten run.
New Year’s Day saw a disappointing goalless draw with Leeds United at Anfield which will give Fulham encouragement ahead of their meeting with the Reds. Meanwhile, the Cottagers drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace the same evening in south London.
Fulham predicted XI against Liverpool: goalkeeper and defence
Fulham have fielded a largely unchanged side in recent weeks, despite a trio of key players being away at AFCON representing Nigeria, as Silva’s side have responded well to the adversity and recorded impressive victories over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United in their absence.
One of those players who has stepped up is defender Jorge Cuenca, who has impressed in the absence of Calvin Bassey at the back after previously finding first-team minutes hard to come by. He will look to keep his place alongside Joachim Andersen, the pair having conceded just one goal in their last three starts together.
Silva may be forced into a change at right-back, though, as Kenny Tete limped off just after half-time against the Eagles with a hamstring issue. Timothy Castagne will look to step in, with Antonee Robinson to keep his place on the opposite flank.
Fulham predicted XI vs Liverpool: midfield and attack
With Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze away at AFCON alongside Bassey for the Super Eagles, Sasa Lukic and Kevin should continue to start in their absence.
In attack, Raul Jimenez scored decisive goals against both Forest and West Ham and will look to inflict further misery as he continues to defy the odds at the age of 34.
While an encounter with the champions will prove a tough test to see where Fulham are at present, they will hope to see their strong recent run continue with a positive result in their first match in 2026 in front of their home supporters.
Full predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez.
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