Liverpool Face Fulham Challenge as Cup Woes Mount

It's been a miserable stretch for Arne Slot's Liverpool. After getting hammered 4-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, the Reds followed up with a 2-0 defeat away to PSG in the Champions League last-eight opener. Now it's back to bread-and-butter Premier League business, where a top-five finish is essential if they're to salvage their European campaign next season.

The hosts currently occupy that crucial fifth place, but the margin for error has evaporated. Meanwhile, Fulham arrive at Anfield sat ninth, fresh from an extended break that saw them dispatch Burnley 3-1 at home on March 21. The visitors' road record reads four wins, three draws and eight losses from their Premier League travels this term.

When and where

Saturday's clash gets underway at 17:30 BST at Anfield, with Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event providing live coverage from 5pm. BBC Radio 5 Live will offer radio commentary.

Liverpool's injury woes

Alisson remains sidelined, leaving Giorgi Mamardashvili to mind the goal once more. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo continue their lengthy spells out, whilst record signing Alexander Isak made his first appearance since December when introduced as a substitute against PSG. Expect him to start from the bench again here.

Fulham's concerns

Kenny Tete and Calvin Bassey will be assessed ahead of the trip, with both carrying foot and back issues respectively. Kevin is ruled out with a foot problem.

The odds

Bookmakers fancy Liverpool at 8/13 despite their recent struggles, with Fulham priced at 4/1 and the draw available at 10/3. Liverpool are 1/2 to secure that vital top-five finish.

What the numbers tell us

These two have produced some entertaining encounters. Their last five meetings have yielded goal tallies of 4, 5, 4, 4 and 7 respectively—hardly the stuff of defensive masterclasses. Fulham have proven tricky opponents, remaining unbeaten in their last three outings against Liverpool, including a 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage during the Reds' title-winning campaign. However, Slot's men are considerably stronger at Anfield, winning five and drawing one of their last seven home matches across all competitions.

The prediction

Liverpool should rediscover their attacking rhythm after a toothless showing against PSG. While a draw holds appeal given Fulham's recent resilience, the hosts' home advantage and attacking potential should see them prevail. Back Liverpool to win 1-0 at 3/1. If this fixture follows its tradition of goal-heavy affairs, scorelines of 2-1 and 3-2 to the Reds represent tempting alternatives at 8/1 and 20/1 respectively.