Liverpool vs Fulham Preview: Pressure Builds on Slot Ahead of PSG Clash

Liverpool will welcome a tricky Fulham side on Saturday with their own European aspirations, needing a comfortable victory at Anfield as preparation before Tuesday’s return leg at home to PSG.

As of late, though, Liverpool haven’t exactly been comfortable. Recent poor performances, including an embarrassing 4-0 FA Cup exit against Manchester City and a timid 2-0 defeat to PSG, have increased fan discontent around Arne Slot, with some calling for change.

On Saturday evening, Liverpool players will be expected to show a resounding response to recent cup disappointments, particularly in front of the home crowd. They know a strong finish is required to secure Champions League football next season.

Liverpool had zero shots on target at the Parc des Princes, which is a major concern. Despite having another leg to turn it around, this seems unlikely given their recent defensive struggles. While Tuesday’s fixture may linger in the background, the Premier League must now become the priority.

Fulham, despite inconsistent form, have largely exceeded expectations this season. Sitting comfortably in 9th place just five points behind Liverpool Marco Silva will believe his side can close that gap.

If Fulham were to secure a European spot likely within the top eight Silva’s stock would rise significantly this summer. They have won four of their last eight matches, a respectable return, although away form remains a concern.

In the reverse fixture, a last-minute screamer from Harrison Reed salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw. Additionally, Fulham won 3-2 at Anfield in April 2025, which will give them confidence heading into this encounter.

Team News

Fulham

Ex-Liverpool winger Harry Wilson has been in excellent form, recording 10 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League this season. Only Hugo Ekitike has more goals for Liverpool (11). Wilson will be motivated to deliver again against his former club.

Strikers Rodrigo Muniz and Raul Jimenez are often rotated, making it a close call as to who starts at Anfield.

Fulham are defensively well-structured and will likely deploy a compact mid-block. Sander Berge will screen a strong defensive pairing of Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey.

Their attacking threat will come through transitions, particularly via Wilson, Oscar Bobb, and Alex Iwobi, targeting the space left by Liverpool’s advancing full-backs.

Liverpool

Ekitike is expected to start up front as he looks to end his brief goal drought. Alexander Isak has returned from injury, but Ekitike remains the primary striker for now.

Mohamed Salah is expected to start on the right, having not featured against PSG. On the left, Cody Gakpo is the usual starter, though Rio Ngumoha has been pushing for more minutes.

Liverpool’s midfield remains inconsistent. The pairing of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister has not reached last season’s levels. Dominik Szoboszlai has been a standout performer, while Florian Wirtz is gradually adapting to the Premier League.

Defensively, Liverpool continue to struggle. Injuries to Alisson Becker have been costly, while players like Jeremie Frimpong and Ibrahima Konaté have been exposed against fast, direct attacks something Fulham possess.

Match Prediction

Both teams bring contrasting styles.

Liverpool will dominate possession and rely on attacking quality, while Fulham will sit deeper and look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

Recent meetings suggest goals are likely.

On paper, Liverpool are favourites. However, based on recent form and Fulham’s attacking threats particularly Harry Wilson the visitors could take something from the game against a misfiring Liverpool side.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Wilson, King, Bobb; Muniz