Fulham v Liverpool – Saturday Premier League

After some much publicised poor form, Liverpool hit back in the best way possible last weekend, with a strong home victory over bitter rivals Manchester United. Such was their dominance on the day, that even Alex Ferguson could not muster up any excuse as to why his players had let him down so badly. They had simply been outplayed, and that is the very thing which has been afflicting a lot of Liverpool’s play over the run of recent matches. They had failed to stamp any authority on their Champions League matches, and in their last league defeat at the hands of Sunderland, they were simply outworked with desire and determination.

Fulham’s story of the season reads like a Jekyll and Hyde scenario. They can look a decent side at home, not so good away, but are not on too bad of a run of form. Over the last three matches, they have not lost a game, coming up against some opposition which are considered to be better than them. After a win against Hull, they subsequently drew with Roma in Europe, and fought their way back to tie with Manchester City. They will head into the match without striker Andy Johnson, Danny Murphy and Simon Davies.

Liverpool’s main fitness concern is over that of Steven Gerrard, but England full back Glen Johnson will also be missing through injury. Last weekend’s goal-scoring hero Fernando Torres should be fit to make a start, and will carry a lot of the responsibility of the team. Many thought that the absence of Steven Gerrard, combined of that of Torres would be the downfall of the club, and it has played a big effect during their run of four straight defeats. But as they proved against Manchester United, on their day, they can still produce. Captain Gerrard was missing from the line-up at Anfield against Manchester United.

Liverpool fielded a lot of their second string in their Carling Cup defeat against Arsenal, not having the capacity to overcome the Gunner’s youngsters. Despite the victory over Manchester, there is no getting away from the fact that Liverpool have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions. While there has only been public support for Reds boss Rafa Benitez, should another defeat pile up against a bottom half of the table team like Fulham, then there has to be pressure building up behind the scenes at Anfield.

Liverpool currently sit in sixth place in the league, on the same points as Manchester City immediately below them. They will be looking upward though, towards where they believe they should be, and see that they are six points adrift of leaders Chelsea. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all lost two matches already this season (all away from home), whilst Liverpool have suffered double that amount already.

History is not favouring Fulham’s chances to much, as they have struggled to even manage a goal against Liverpool in the past couple of seasons. Their win against Hull amounts to only one in five league games now, and while they have been battling for draws, they have lacked that killer punch, something which has seen them do so well in their European quest so far this season. A win for the 13th placed Cottagers, would ease some of the pressure and now could be a good time to capitalise on Liverpool’s weakened, Gerrard-less midfield. Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will be hoping for goals, as they are averaging about a goal a game. Whether that one will be enough will be the big question, as they do not look fully equipped to go out and score more than two.

Fulham to win: 10/3 at William Hill
Draw: 12/5 at Stan James
Liverpool to win: Evens at Bet365

Betting Advice: If striker Bobby Zamora, the culprit of the glaring miss against Manchester City last weekend, has refocused his sights, he will be the main threat on the day for Fulham. Liverpool are a lot more vulnerable than they were last season, and the defeat against Arsenal may just have dampened spirits a little after their momentous victory over Manchester United.
Correct score 1-1: 13/2 at Skybet