Preview: Liverpool vs Fulham (English Premier League)

Liverpool vs Fulham English Premier League match preview and predictions

Liverpool welcome back Glen Johnson for today's game against Fulham at Anfield, the England right back missed the game against Arsenal due to a jaw infection.

Jose Enrique could also return after a month out with a knee problem.


Fulham's Captain Brede Hangeland has returned to training following a nerve problem in his leg, but he and Bryan Ruiz (back) are still very doubtful but they will undergo fitness tests.

Fulham's Sascha Riether begins a three-match ban after his stamp on Adnan Januzaj was retrospectively punished.

Martin Jol is under pressure though he seems cool about it or does not seems scared of getting sacked, but looking at the table and seeing Fulham at the 16th position with just 2 points above the relegation zone is a worry.

Liverpool on the other hand will be desperate to get a win as they were beaten by high-flying Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates last weekend.

The availability of Glen Johnson will be an added advantage as he gives them an extra edge whenever he joins the attack as Flagnan and Toure who have played there in recent games have struggled to get forward.

Jose Enrique might not play the full match but as a substitute he is one of the best Liverpool players even as a left back, so Brendan Rodgers will be happy to welcome him back as well.

Predictions:

Suarez and Sturridge are handful for any team they face, with Glen Johnson also back in the team, I will go for a 3-2 victory in favour of Liverpool.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Fulham have only won one of their 32 matches at Anfield (D9, L22). The solitary victory was by 1-0 in May 2012 courtesy of Martin Skrtel's own goal.
• Liverpool have won both league clashes since that win, scoring seven goals to Fulham's one, including a 4-0 win in the corresponding fixture last season.
• The Reds have only conceded three goals in 12 Premier League home games against Fulham.

Liverpool

• Liverpool kept a clean sheet in each of their opening three league games but have since conceded in seven successive matches.
• The Reds have won all six league matches in which they opened the scoring this season, the best record in the division.
• They have been ahead at half-time in seven of their 10 league fixtures.
• Daniel Sturridge is the joint-leading Premier League scorer in 2013 with 18 goals, the same as Robin van Persie and Christian Benteke. Sturridge's only Premier League hat-trick came against Fulham in May.
• Jordan Henderson has played in every minute of Liverpool's 10 Premier League games. This time last season he had yet to start a league game, playing just 77 minutes as a substitute.

Fulham

• Fulham have the worst record in the league against top-half opposition, losing all five matches.
• The Cottagers have only once scored more than one goal in a Premier League game this season (4-1 v Crystal Palace).
• They have only kept two clean sheets in 13 games in all competitions this season, but have kept three in their last five league visits to Anfield.
• Among teams who have played 100 or more games, only Derby County (15%) have a worse Premier League away win percentage than Fulham (15.5%).