Fulham travel to Merseyside to face Liverpool, with both teams looking to continue their good starts to the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The Premier League season is entering its crucial phase, with many points on the line over the festive period. Liverpool and Fulham will therefore be keen to achieve a positive result.
Fulham take on Liverpool: a thrilling clash in the Premier League and Carabao Cup
Last year, Marco Silva's side pushed Liverpool to their limits on four occasions, with the two sides meeting in the Carabao Cup semi-final, where the Reds won the encounter 3-2 on aggregate. Elsewhere, the corresponding Premier League match was a true classic, with Fulham ten minutes away from a historic victory at Anfield before the match turned around, Trent Alexander-Arnold's winning shot sealing a thrilling 4-3 victory.
The Reds have made a record start to the season, despite Arne Slot taking charge at Liverpool following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman has allowed his team to gradually adapt to his philosophy and, although the Reds are not perfect, they have an experienced squad full of winners.
They are currently benefiting from dips in form at Manchester City and Arsenal, and so far Liverpool have the fewest flaws of the three title contenders.
Liverpool in the lead: a perfect start to the Champions League and a comfortable lead in the Premier League
The Merseyside men are the only team with a perfect Champions League record after four games and they are now five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Their 2-0 victory against Aston Villa takes them to 28 points, with one defeat and one draw from 11 matches.
They find themselves in a much better position than they imagined at this stage of Slot's tenure, and Liverpool become aThe Reds are top of the Premier League, top of the Champions League, qualified for the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and have only lost once in all competitions. They are favorites to win the title race and Fulham will struggle to contain this in-form team.
Fulham impresses in the Premier League: an enviable place before December
On the other hand, Fulham have been impressive this season and currently sit seventh in the table heading into December.
making them the sixth team to be at least five points ahead after 11 Premier League matches. Interestingly, the other five teams in this case won the title that same season.
Although it is unexpected, the Reds are aiming to win the championship for the first time since 2019/20, and their supporters know there is still much to do in the race.
After losing the first match against Manchester United, a match they should have left with at least a point, the Cottagers went undefeated in the next five matches. That run was interrupted by Manchester City, who had to come back from Fulham's opener to win 3-2, then they lost to Aston Villa, but have remained unbeaten since.
Fulham drew against Everton before securing derby victories against Brentford and Crystal Palace. They now face a rapid succession of matches until the end of the year and must maintain their good form. They will be aiming to get a result against the Reds, which would significantly boost their confidence, given they have been unlucky to come away empty-handed on their recent visits to Anfield.
Silva's side pose a serious threat here and Liverpool must be wary of complacency.
Tickets for the match
This Premier League Matchday 16 match will take place on Saturday 14 December 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm UK time. It promises to be a spectacular occasion with high quality football. Tickets for the match are available for sale on each club's website, with priority access restricted to club members and season cardholders.
The famous Anfield stadium is the perfect venue for this interesting match, with over 61,000 seats available for fans to watch the action. There is always an electrifying atmosphere whenever Liverpool play at home, as their supporters create a memorable spectacle. However, traveling supporters will also be present in large numbers.
Finding tickets could be complicated as this match is expected to be sold out, so fans will need to get their Liverpool vs Fulham tickets from a resale site. Meanwhile, other fans can also find more Liverpool tickets for the entire season.
Team News
Harvey Elliott is a long-term absentee for Liverpool due to a broken foot.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently unavailable, but his injury does not appear to be long-term, so he should be back for this match.
Meanwhile, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota are doubtful.
Sasa Lukic is the only worry for Fulham, and they will hope to maintain a fully fit squad throughout the festive period.
Compositions probables
Mohamed Salah is in great form, being the first player in Europe's five major leagues to register double figures for goals and assists this season. The Egyptian is ready to make an attacking contribution and Fulham will need to be careful with his clinical presence.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with the club, he remains the undisputed dangerous man of his team.
Liverpool : Alisson ; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson ; Gravenberch, MacAllister ; Salah, Jones, Gakpo ; Nunez
Silva has a team of trusted lieutenants, bolstered by the arrivals of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson, as well as the return to goalscoring form of Raul Jimenez this season.
This has made the Whites much more creative while retaining the solidity that has allowed them to enjoy success under the Portuguese manager.
Fulham : Leno ; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson ; Berge, Pereira ; Traoré, Smith Rowe, Iwobi ; Jimenez
Prediction
Liverpool are clear favorites for this match, but their visitors will have a few tricks up their sleeves to try and steal a result. It also promises to be interesting tactically, as the home team attack with vigor, while Fulham will look to stay disciplined and cause damage on the counter-attack.
It promises an interesting battle in what should be a one-sided match, but Liverpool have enough firepower to outplay their visitors.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
