Liverpool return to Anfield looking to continue their strong week when they welcome a Fulham that is already under pressure. The hosts sit sixth in the Premier League after beating Ipswich, while Fulham are down in 19th following a difficult start and another defeat last weekend.

Liverpool return to Anfield with confidence

Liverpool prepared for this match with a 2–0 Premier League victory away against Ipswich. They then carried that momentum into the Champions League, beating Atletico Madrid 2–1 at Anfield.

Those results extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run to four matches. They have also scored in 14 consecutive games, showing the attacking consistency needed to punish a Fulham side that has struggled defensively.

Alexander Isak has made a strong start with three goals and gives Liverpool a clear point in the attack. His movement and finishing should create problems for a Fulham defence likely to spend long periods close to its own penalty area.

Liverpool do have several absences to manage. Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are all unavailable, while the Champions League match has given the squad less time to prepare.

Even with those concerns, Liverpool should still have enough quality available. Consecutive victories in two different competitions have provided confidence, and returning to Anfield gives them another clear advantage.

Fulham continue to struggle away from home

Fulham opened their season with a 1–0 defeat away against Sunderland before losing 3–2 at home to Crystal Palace. They have now suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats and arrive at Anfield sitting 19th in the table.

The defeat against Palace showed that Fulham can create chances. Joshua King has scored twice and has been their main attacking threat during the opening weeks. Fulham will need him to take advantage of the limited opportunities Liverpool allow.

Their form away from home is the bigger concern. Fulham have failed to win any of their last seven away matches, and Anfield is one of the most difficult places to end that run.

Tom Cairney is also unavailable, leaving Fulham without one of their most experienced midfielders. His absence could be important in a match where the visitors must remain composed under pressure and make the most of the periods when they have possession.

Fulham showed by scoring twice against Palace that they are capable of causing problems, but conceding three at home does little to suggest they are ready to keep Liverpool under control.

Anfield has rarely been a good place for Fulham

Liverpool have dominated this fixture at Anfield, winning 13 of the previous 20 meetings while Fulham have managed only two victories. The hosts lead 38–10 on aggregate across those matches.

Liverpool are also unbeaten in their last five home meetings with Fulham. They won this fixture 2–0 last season before the teams played out a 2–2 draw in London.

A 2–0 Liverpool victory is the most common result between the clubs and has occurred six times. That scoreline would fit the current situation, with Liverpool scoring regularly and Fulham struggling to produce results away from home.

The meetings average 3.8 goals, with two goals scored in the first half on average. That suggests Liverpool may look to take control early rather than allow Fulham to settle into the match.

The hosts average two goals per game at Anfield, while Fulham score only once per away match. If Liverpool maintain their recent attacking level, Fulham may find it difficult to keep pace.

Verdict

Liverpool enter the match with better form, stronger results and a dominant home record in this fixture. They have won consecutive matches against Ipswich and Atletico Madrid, remain unbeaten in four and have scored in 14 games in a row.

Fulham have enough attacking quality to make the match competitive, particularly through Joshua King. Their recent results and away form are difficult to ignore, however. Three consecutive league defeats and seven away matches without a victory make a trip to Anfield a particularly difficult assignment.

Liverpool’s injuries and short recovery after the Champions League could prevent this from becoming a comfortable afternoon, but the difference in quality and confidence should still be decisive. The hosts have consistently found a way to score and should create enough chances to take all three points.

Tip

Liverpool to win