Liverpool welcome pointless Fulham to Anfield on Saturday as Andoni Iraola's improving side pursue their first Premier League home victory of the season.
The Reds have won successive matches, beating Ipswich Town 2-0 before recovering from an early setback to defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League. Alexander Isak scored both goals at Portman Road, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister completed the midweek comeback.
Fulham have lost all three league fixtures under former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa. Their 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace was particularly painful after they led twice, although 25 shots and 3.13 expected goals showed that the performance was stronger than the result.
Liverpool vs Fulham: Key Stats
Liverpool have scored at least twice in all four matches under Andoni Iraola
The Reds have won their last two games and conceded only once
Fulham have lost all three Premier League fixtures and conceded seven goals
The Cottagers recorded 25 shots and 3.13 expected goals against Crystal Palace
Liverpool have won four and drawn one of their last five home meetings with Fulham
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
Liverpool should press high and move the ball quickly through Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz. Fulham's midfield will be asked to protect the central spaces, but Iraola's rotating front four can pull their defensive structure apart and create room for Isak.
Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez suffered cramp against Atletico rather than injuries, although Barcola may be managed carefully after completing little pre-season work. Cody Gakpo is doubtful, while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa remain unavailable.
Fulham should retain the 4-2-3-1 that created numerous chances against Palace. Josh King and Cesar Palacios can attack the spaces behind Liverpool's full-backs, while Gonzalo Garcia must occupy Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet. Tom Cairney and Luc De Fougerolles are the visitors' only confirmed absentees.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Victor Munoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak
Fulham (4-2-3-1)
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Iwobi, King, Palacios; Gonzalo Garcia
Players to Watch
Alexander Isak - The Sweden striker scored both goals at Ipswich and remains Liverpool's sharpest penalty-area threat. Fulham's defence has conceded seven times in three league matches and must track his movement far more effectively than recent opponents.
Florian Wirtz - Wirtz helped Liverpool play through Atletico's compact structure and should find space between Fulham's midfield and defence. His combinations with Isak can turn sustained possession into clear chances.
Josh King - The 19-year-old scored and created a goal against Palace, providing Fulham's most encouraging individual performance of the season. His speed and confidence can trouble Liverpool when the hosts commit numbers forward.
Gonzalo Garcia - Fulham need their striker to occupy Van Dijk, secure direct passes and create space for King, Iwobi and Palacios. His movement will be essential if the visitors are to exploit Liverpool in transition.
Prediction
Prediction: Alexander Isak to score anytime @ 2.00
Liverpool's short match price offers limited value, but Isak is fairly quoted at even money after scoring twice against Ipswich. He will lead an attack that has produced at least two goals in every game under Iraola against a Fulham defence that has conceded seven in three league fixtures.
Fulham's 25-shot performance against Palace suggests they can contribute to an open contest, particularly after Liverpool's midweek exertions. That makes Isak's individual scoring market preferable to relying on a clean sheet or a large handicap. A 3-1 Liverpool win is the preferred scoreline.