Fulham vs Liverpool Preview - A Challenge at Craven Cottage - Premier League
Liverpool travel to Fulham aiming to protect their top-four position, amidst significant squad losses for both clubs due to injuries and international duties.
The battle at Craven Cottage: Liverpool determined to hold onto their place in the top 4.
At 10:00 PM on January 4th, 2026, Fulham will host Liverpool in a highly anticipated Premier League match. The game will take place at Craven Cottage, a venue known for its unpredictable nature for big teams. Currently, Liverpool sit 4th in the table with 33 points, while Fulham are 12th with 27 points. The relatively small points difference makes this clash crucial for both sides' ambitions in the mid-season.
Consistent performance combined with a resilient spirit to overcome difficulties.
Liverpool are maintaining an impressive run of form with a five-match unbeaten streak, including three wins and two draws. The Merseyside team have scored 30 goals in 19 league matches, averaging 1.6 goals per game. However, their defensive capabilities remain questionable, having conceded 26 goals, equivalent to 1.4 goals per game.
On the other side of the pitch, Fulham are proving to be quite a formidable opponent when playing at home. In their last five matches, they have secured three wins, one draw, and one loss. Notably, Fulham have a fairly balanced goal difference with 26 goals scored and 27 goals conceded. Despite their recent defeat, the London team's morale remains high when facing representatives from the Big Six.
| Team | Location | Point | Performance in the last 5 matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 4 | 33 | 3 wins, 2 draws |
| Fulham | 12 | 27 | 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss |
History of confrontations: An astonishing balance
Looking at the history of their last five encounters, it's clear Fulham have no fear of Liverpool. In their most recent meeting in April 2025, Fulham secured a narrow 3-2 victory at home. In total, over the last five matches, Liverpool won two, Fulham won one, and the two teams drew twice. These statistics suggest that Craven Cottage is a treacherous destination for "The Reds".
- April 6, 2025: Fulham 3 - 2 Liverpool
- December 14, 2024: Liverpool 2 - 2 Fulham
- April 21, 2024: Fulham 1 - 3 Liverpool
- January 25, 2024: Fulham 1 - 1 Liverpool
- January 11, 2024: Liverpool 2 - 1 Fulham
Team news: A headache for two strategists.
Both Fulham and Liverpool enter this match with a long list of absentees, directly impacting their squad strength. On the home side, Fulham are missing key players due to international duty, including C. Bassey, S. Chukwueze, and A. Iwobi. In addition, key players like Rodrigo Muniz, R. Sessegnon, and K. Tete are all absent due to hamstring and thigh injuries. J. King's participation remains uncertain due to a knee problem.
Liverpool suffered even more significant losses. Their star player, Mohamed Salah, was absent due to international duty. In attack, A. Isak suffered a broken leg and is definitely unavailable. The midfield and defense were also in poor shape, with S. Bajcetic, W. Endo, G. Leoni, and C. Scanlon all joining the injury list. Defender J. Gomez was also racing against time to recover.
Tactical analysis and predictions
With key strikers like Salah and Muniz absent, the match is likely to be tight and low-scoring. Liverpool, despite being considered the favorites, will struggle to impose their style of play away from home with a depleted squad.
Based on in-depth analysis, Liverpool's chances of winning and the likelihood of a draw are equal, both at 45%. Fulham only have a 10% chance of securing all three points based on current variables. A draw with goals or a narrow victory for the away team is the most likely scenario. The advice for this match is to choose the away team to win or draw (Double chance).
Predicted result:Liverpool win or draw.
Team lineup updated at 21:23 04/01/2026
Official lineup
Fulham
Diagram: 3-4-2-1
CoachMarco Silva
Starting lineup:
- 1. Bernd Leno (G)
- 31. Issa Diop (D)
- 5. Joachim Andersen (D)
- 15. Jorge Cuenca (D)
- 21. Timothy Castagne (M)
- 20. Saša Lukić (M)
- 10. Tom Cairney (M)
- 33. Antonee Robinson (M)
- 8. Harry Wilson (F)
- 32. Emile Smith Rowe (F)
- 7. Raúl Jiménez (F)
Substitutes:
- 23. Benjamin Lecomte
- 40. Alfie McNally
- 35. Samuel Amissah
- 16. Sanderson
- 6. Harrison Reed
- 22. Kevin
- 38. Seth Ridgeon
- 11. Adama Traoré
- 18. Jonah Kusi-Asare
Liverpool
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachArne Slot
Starting lineup:
- 1. Alisson (G)
- 12. Conor Bradley (D)
- 5. Ibrahima Konaté (D)
- 4. Virgil van Dijk (D)
- 6. Miloš Kerkez (D)
- 38. Ryan Gravenberch (M)
- 17. Curtis Jones (M)
- 8. Dominik Szoboszlai (M)
- 10. Alexis Mac Allister (M)
- 7. Florian Wirtz (M)
- 18. Cody Gakpo (F)
Substitutes:
- 25. Giorgi Mamardashvili
- 28. Freddie Woodman
- 2. Joe Gomez
- 26. Andrew Robertson
- 47. Calvin Ramsay
- 30. Jeremie Frimpong
- 42. Trey Nyoni
- 14. Federico Chiesa
- 73. Rio Ngumoha
