Squad Updates and Injury Concerns
Liverpool is preparing for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham, but manager Andoni Iraola faces some selection headaches due to recent injuries. Forward Cody Gakpo is nursing a minor injury and is considered doubtful for the match [1]. Similarly, Bradley Barcola, who made his first Liverpool start recently, departed the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid with cramp and is also a doubt [2]. Both players’ statuses were confirmed as doubtful by the club’s head coach [3]. Hugo Ekitike is another player mentioned as being out with an injury [3]. Despite these concerns, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be in the starting lineup for Liverpool [4], having also started and scored the winning goal in their recent Champions League outing [2]. Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored an equalizer against Atletico Madrid, is also expected to feature [5].
Recent Form and Mac Allister’s Contract Saga
Liverpool enters the Fulham match on the back of a crucial 2-1 Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid at Anfield [6]. This win marked their first at Anfield this season and saw them come from behind for the third time this season [2]. Alexis Mac Allister was the hero, scoring the decisive goal [4]. His performance has been a positive step, especially after his performances last season were considered below par by the club [7]. However, Mac Allister has publicly expressed disappointment about not receiving a new contract from Liverpool in the summer, despite teammates like Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch signing new deals [8]. This public statement has generated mixed reactions among fans, with some viewing it as a strategic move and others as self-indulgent [8]. His current contract with Liverpool is valid until 2028 [8].
Opponent’s Struggles and Key Players
Fulham, Liverpool’s next opponent, has had a challenging start to their Premier League campaign under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa. They have lost all three of their opening Premier League games, conceding seven goals in the process [1]. This poor run of form will likely add pressure on the London club as they face a Liverpool side buoyed by their recent European success. For Liverpool, the expected starting lineup will likely see Alexis Mac Allister in midfield [9], with Ronald Araújo, who provided an assist in the last match, also expected to start [5]. Jan Oblak is anticipated to be the opposing goalkeeper for Fulham [9]. The absence of key attacking options like Gakpo and Barcola could impact Liverpool’s offensive strategy, but their recent ability to come from behind suggests a resilient squad.
What it means
Liverpool currently sits in 7th position in the Premier League table with 5 points from three games, having secured one win and two draws, scoring 6 goals and conceding 4. Their recent form shows a mix of results, including a 2-1 Champions League win against Club Atlético de Madrid and a 2-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town FC, but also draws against Nottingham Forest FC and Newcastle United FC. The upcoming fixture against Fulham at home presents an opportunity for Liverpool to climb the table and solidify their position. Given Fulham’s struggles under their new manager, this match is crucial for Liverpool to maintain momentum and capitalize on their opponent’s poor form. The site’s forecast for this match will be locked 24 hours before kick-off, providing a prediction for this important Premier League clash.
Sources
- The Guardian: Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend theguardian.com ↩
- The Guardian: Alexis Mac Allister makes his point as Liverpool fight back to defeat Atlético theguardian.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Liverpool FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Liverpool FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Szoboszlai equalises for Liverpool after fantastic Araujo assist bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Liverpool FC bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Liverpool will reward Mac Allister if he lets his football do talking bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: 'Spoke brilliantly' but Liverpool fans torn on Mac Allister contract comments bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Mac Allister's brilliant finish puts Liverpool ahead bbc.co.uk ↩