Liverpool starting lineup to face Fulham - predicted

Anfield Watch

·21 April 2024

Liverpool starting lineup to face Fulham - predicted

Liverpool are aiming to keep the pressure on Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City later today (Sunday April 21) when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Reds were knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday night and have failed to win either of their last two Premier League matches, massively denting their title aspirations.

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A 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend is likely to prove costly come the end of the season, but the Reds need to bounce back with a win against Fulham on Sunday afternoon. A victory would take them level with leaders Arsenal at the top of the table, but still behind on goal difference.

Liverpool have won two and drawn one of their three meetings with Marco Silva's side this term, but all have been incredibly tight clashes.

In a must-win fixture, here is how Jurgen Klopp could line his Liverpool side up for the trip to west London.

GOALKEEPER & DEFENCE

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool were able to field their first-choice defence and goalkeeper against Atalanta on Thursday evening, something they haven't been able to do too often this season.

Much of that defensive unit will likely be the same this weekend, with Alisson in between the sticks and Ibrahima Konate lining up alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the backline.

Trent Alexander-Arnold played the bulk of the clash in Bergamo and showed his qualities against Gian Piero Gasperini's side, even if he did tire as the game wore on. With Conor Bradley currently sidelined, the No.66 may start again.

Andy Robertson has been asked to play a lot of football in recent matches despite having only recently returned from injury. As a result, Kostas Tsimikas could be handed a rare Premier League start against Fulham.

MIDFIELD

Liverpool, England, 23rd December 2023. Wataru Endo of Liverpool during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture credit should read: Darren Staples / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI-2829-0097

Liverpool started with Alexis Mac Allister in the holding midfield role against Atalanta, but the influential Argentine should be restored to a more advanced position on Sunday.

The World Cup winner has been one of Liverpool's few consistent performers since the March international break and Wataru Endo should be drafted in to help unlock his potential at Craven Cottage.

Dominik Szoboszlai started on Thursday night despite his declining form, with the Hungarian unable to make a significant impact yet again for the Reds.

His waning influence means that he may be removed from the starting XI, with Curtis Jones potentially starting instead of him this Sunday.

FORWARDS

Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League - Anfield Liverpool s Mohamed Salah dejected following the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday April 14, 2024. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xPeterxByrnex 75883937

None of Liverpool's five senior forwards have been in particularly glistening form of late. Cody Gakpo has been the best of a sorry bunch, but he played the entirety of the 1-0 win over Atalanta last time out.

As a result, the Dutchman may be rested, with the chaotic Darwin Nunez perhaps being restored to the starting lineup. He simply must convert any goalscoring opportunities he's presented with in the capital.

Luis Diaz has blown hot and cold in recent matches but has generally been one of Liverpool's stronger performers. He should take residence on the left flank ahead of Diogo Jota.

Mohamed Salah has been far from his best lately and his glaring miss against Atalanta summed up his form. He is surely no longer immune from being dropped, although a lack of alternatives on the right-hand side means he is likely to retain his starting spot.