Fulham vs Liverpool: Without Magis Salah, The Reds Threatened to Be Stuck at Craven Cottage

Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham's left-back (photo: x @FulhamFC)

Jakarta - Fulham will host Liverpool in the English League this weekend at Craven Cottage, Sunday, January 4, in a match that could potentially be a test of consistency for the visiting team. A pessimistic nuance once again enveloped the red side of Merseyside after Liverpool's winning streak stalled.

Liverpool came to London with the capital of a goalless draw against Leeds United on Thursday, January 1. The absence of Mohamed Salah, who was defending his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, began to have an impact. Arne Slot's team recorded almost two expected goals, but the failure to dismantle the Leeds defense brought back questions about their sharpness in crucial matches.

Despite still being in fourth place in the standings, Liverpool failed to take advantage of the opportunity to distance themselves from Chelsea and Manchester United, who are only three points apart. On the other hand, the record of eight matches without defeat remains a positive signal, considering that The Reds had fallen to nine defeats from 12 matches in the previous difficult period.

Fulham also came with a similar story. Marco Silva's team was just held by Crystal Palace 1-1 after winning three consecutive victories in the English League. Tom Cairney's late goal saved Fulham from defeat and kept their chances open to compete in the top flight.

Currently, Fulham is in 11th place and is only three points behind Chelsea in fifth place. A victory over Liverpool will cut the gap and revive their European ambitions. However, Marco Silva's record against the English League champions is far from convincing, with 11 defeats in 11 games, the worst record for a manager in this competition.

But Fulham have psychological capital. Last season, they took four points from two meetings with Liverpool, including a 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage, just weeks before the Reds secured the title.

In terms of the team, Liverpool has the potential to make a rotation. Florian Wirtz has a mild hamstring problem and may be rested. Mohamed Salah is still absent due to the Africa Cup of Nations, while Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo are also not available. Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez have the opportunity to return to the starting XI after the rotation in the previous match.

Fulham are confirmed to lose Kenny Tete due to a hamstring injury. Josh King, Ryan Sessegnon, and Rodrigo Muniz have also not recovered, while Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are still on international duty. Even so, Fulham still has a threat through Harry Wilson who has been quite productive at home this season.

With fatigue still looming over Liverpool and Fulham's solidity at home, this match is expected to be more closed than previous meetings full of goals. A 1-1 draw is the most realistic prediction for this duel.

The line-up:

Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Ekitike