Craven Cottage sets the scene for a compelling Premier League encounter as Fulham welcome Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with both sides keen to start the new year by strengthening their league position.
The visitors arrive in west London sitting fourth in the table after 19 matches, having collected 33 points from a campaign that has mixed resilience with occasional frustration. Fulham, meanwhile, are firmly in the mid-table picture on 27 points, close enough to the European places to believe that a strong second half of the season could yet bring reward. The narrow gap between the sides is reflected in the underlying numbers, with goals for and against suggesting two teams who have largely been competitive without consistently pulling clear of opponents.
Recent form hints at a tight contest. A midweek trip to Selhurst Park saw Fulham come from behind to draw 1–1 with Crystal Palace, Tom Cairney’s late strike extending an unbeaten league run to four matches. It was another example of Marco Silva’s side staying patient and organised, even when rhythm has been disrupted. Liverpool’s most recent outing ended scoreless at Anfield against Leeds United, a match that underlined how difficult it can be for them to turn control into clear chances when space is limited and precision in the final third is missing.
That contrast shapes the narrative ahead of kick-off. Fulham’s latest performance showed belief and bench impact, traits that have become increasingly important during a demanding winter schedule. For Liverpool, the frustration of a home draw adds extra incentive to sharpen their attacking edge, particularly away from home where efficiency has often defined their better results this season.
Team news could play a significant role. Fulham are expected to be without Kenny Tete, Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon through injury, while Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze remain unavailable due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Liverpool are also affected by AFCON, with Mohamed Salah absent, and Wataru Endo sidelined by an ankle problem. Joe Gomez has been working his way back from a muscle issue and is pushing to rejoin the matchday squad.
In the absence of some headline names, responsibility has shifted to those stepping into leading roles. Hugo Ekitike has been Liverpool’s most consistent league scorer so far, supported by contributions from Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, whose midfield influence has grown as the season has progressed. Fulham’s attacking output has been spread across the squad, with Harry Wilson combining goals and assists from wide areas and Raúl Jiménez providing experience and presence through the middle.
Tactically, patience and discipline are likely to be key themes. Liverpool will look to control possession and apply pressure after turnovers, but without their usual focal point on the right, fluid movement and combination play become even more important. Fulham, encouraged by recent resilience and the familiarity of home surroundings, are expected to balance structure with moments of direct play, particularly if the game opens up late on.
All signs point towards a finely balanced afternoon. One side is pushing to stay in touch with the Champions League places, the other aiming to turn consistency into genuine momentum. In a fixture where margins have been slim all season, the outcome may depend on who takes the first clear chance — and whether composure, rather than dominance, proves decisive by the final whistle.
