Liverpool vs Fulham - Predictions

Liverpool return to Premier League action this weekend by welcoming Fulham to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

"For us, I think it passed a test," said Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend. The Reds earned themselves an admirable draw at the Etihad after Trent Alexander-Arnold's late goal, keeping them within touching distance of the champions heading into the clash with Fulham.

The Reds have been in action since, thumping LASK 4-0 at Anfield to finish top of their Europa League group and book their spot in the last 16 of the competition next March.

Fulham looks like a fairly straightforward fixture on paper, especially given Klopp's men have won all ten of their games at home this season, but the Premier League is always ready to punish complacency.

The Cottagers enjoyed a controversial 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last game thanks to a late Willian penalty, moving Marco Silva's side up to 14th in the table.

While a win should be forthcoming, here is how some of Anfield Watch's writers think Sunday's match might go.

---

Sam McGuire: Liverpool lead the way for chances created (34) and have the highest expected goals total in the Premier League (27.5).

By comparison, only four teams have a higher expected goals conceded total than Fulham (23.9). Marco Silva’s side haven’t kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since September, so I’m saying there’s going to be goals.

I predict Mohamed Salah to bag his 200th for the Reds and I’m expecting Darwin Nunez to get in on the act. I’ve even captained the No. 9 in my Fantasy Football Team.

Famous last words.

Liverpool 5-1 Fulham

Ewan Ross-Murray: I don't know why, but I have a feeling that this is going to be trickier than expected.

Perhaps it's the absence of a certain Alisson in between the sticks, the man largely responsible for Liverpool having conceded as few goals as they have in the Premier League.

However, I still expect Liverpool to continue their perfect home record this season and, hopefully, they won't make things needlessly complicated for themselves.

I'm never too sure of the Reds keeping a clean sheet this season, especially after some shaky defending against LASK, but the likes of Salah, Nunez and Luis Diaz should ensure three points on Sunday.

Liverpool 2-1 Fulham

Andy Headspeath: On paper, Fulham at home is one of the kinder fixtures Liverpool could have possibly wished for to start a run of nine fixtures in 28 days.

However, the Reds' recent record against Marco Silva's side is surprisingly not great – one win in the last four – and the injuries are mounting.

We've also seen Liverpool's midfield fail to assert their dominance in some recent outings and if Joao Palhinha and co have success in stifling the hosts early on, it could make for a nervy afternoon.

That said, Liverpool should have more than enough in attack to get the job done and I'm backing them to continue the run of home wins by a two-goal margin.

Liverpool 2-0 Fulham