This weekend marks Liverpool’s return to Premier League play as they begin a run of three wins in preparation for Man United’s visit later this month.
Ten essential facts to be aware of before Liverpool vs. Fulham as Salah approaches a double-century.
Premier League (14) | Anfield | December 3, 2023 | 2 p.m. (GMT) Liverpool vs. Fulham
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s spectacular goal gave the Reds a much-needed late point at the Etihad, allowing them to stay ahead of the league leaders as the holiday season approaches.
Back in May, this match ended in a close victory, so this time around, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for a less nerve-racking afternoon.
Let’s examine the ten essential points you should be aware of before the upcoming Premier League match.
1. News about the team
The list of absences for this match has not changed, as the manager disclosed that “nobody got injured” during Thursday’s 4-0 victory against LASK in the Europa League.
With a back ailment that has kept him out since the summer, Conor Bradley is back in the mix, but Thiago, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Alisson, and Stefan Bajcetic all out for the foreseeable future.
2. Form for Fulham
Despite finishing in the top half in 2022–2023—the visitors have had a patchy start to the season.
Despite winning 3-2 against Wolves at the beginning of the week—more on that later—Fulham had only managed one point from their previous four league games.
Due to Everton’s recent point deduction for financial violations, they are currently 10 points above the drop even though they are ranked 14th in the league.
3. Contradictory results in this match
Although we all know the six straight home losses during the covid-hit 2020–21 season don’t count, Fulham is one of the few teams to have won all three points at Anfield under Klopp!
The Reds have only triumphed once in their previous four meetings with the visitors on Sunday, and in May, they had to hold on for a 1-0 victory over Marco Silva’s team.
The boss will be eager to improve on his record this weekend against Fulham, which currently stands at three wins, two draws, and a home loss.
4. Not on British TV once more
This Sunday’s match will be another home game that isn’t shown in the United Kingdom; Sky Sports has decided to air Crystal Palace’s trip to West Ham.
The Merseyside derby in October is still the only Premier League match played at Anfield that has been shown live in the United Kingdom this season; naturally, Man United’s next visit will be the next one.
Later on, more details on how to keep up with the action this weekend!
5. The midfield dilemma?
Thanks to Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones’ return to fitness, the manager has an abundance of excellent alternatives in the middle of the park.
Although Gravenberch’s strong cameo off the bench has solidified his spot in the running for what would be his fourth league start, Jones was preferred away at Man City.
Harvey Elliott, who has excelled whenever used as a substitute this season, will also believe he deserves to be discussed.
6. Mo’s double century?
After his penalty against LASK, Mohamed Salah is just one goal away from scoring 200 goals for the team in all competitions. He will be hoping to hit that mark this weekend.
His ascent to the top of Liverpool’s all-time goalscorers list goes unabated, as he is now aiming for 228 goals from Billy Liddell.
Is he not pretty good?
7. Eleven straight?
This season, Liverpool has won all 10 of its home games at Anfield by a margin of at least two goals. They have been unstoppable there.
This is only the second occasion in Premier League history that a side has accomplished such a feat; Wolves won 12 straight games by a margin of two goals or more in 1938–39.
With a convincing victory over Fulham, the Reds can move one step closer to matching that total, but Silva’s team will have other plans.
8. Snug at the top
Even though the season is just halfway over, three teams are still in striking reach of league leaders Arsenal.
After 13 games, the Gunners lead the standings with 30 points, while Man City is lagging behind with 29.
While Tottenham seem to have fallen off a cliff and are currently four points behind following their strong start, we and Aston Villa are also within reach on 28.
9. Tierney’s comeback
Inhale deeply.
Paul Tierney, who hasn’t worked for Liverpool since the team’s November visit from Brentford, has been named the match’s video assistant referee.
Although he and the Liverpool manager have a long history together, the on-field referee is also not the best option!
Stuart Attwell, who was the subject of controversy during Wolves’ 3-2 loss to their opponents this weekend, will assume leadership of the proceedings at Anfield.
10. Follow the action here with us!
As previously stated, UK television will not be airing the game, so the best way to follow the competition live is to visit TIA’s matchday liveblog!
In order to give you all the latest information from Anfield before kickoff at 2pm, we will be live starting at 1.15pm (GMT).
Cheers to the Reds!
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