Premier League Predictions: Liverpool to beat Fulham

Liverpool's top-four push could receive a boost at Anfield on Wednesday if they beat Fulham. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Liverpool vs. Fulham

Anfield

8:00pm

Liverpool seems to be in the right place, and a win over Fulham at Anfield on Wednesday night takes the Kops closer to an unprecedented Champions League qualification.

Liverpool currently sits fifth on the log, two points better off than Spurs in sixth but behind Manchester United by seven odd points. Cutting that to four would be the plan when Fulham visit the noisy Anfield for a rescheduled league game.

Fulham is pushing for an unlikely European qualification. Tenth on the log, and that itself at this point is a laudable return considering squad quality and pedigree. A loss at Liverpool ends Fulham’s hopes of qualifying for Europe, and you can be sure they will give a good fight.

Marco Silva has guided the Lilywhites to a sensational run; despite challenges (player suspensions, funds, and injuries), Fulham has weathered storms and remains one of the pleasant surprises of the season, much to the credit of the Portuguese manager.

The season started brightly for Fulham as they held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage. The game set the tone for Liverpool’s season, and they would make sure they earned their pound of flesh when the two sides met on Wednesday.

Liverpool’s 4-3 epic win over Spurs tells us something: Liverpool can be ruthless, but at the same time, they can be vulnerable. The goals they conceded showed why Fulham’s bravery can hurt them, but will Fulham take the game to their hosts?

Fulham gave a great fight against Manchester City on Sunday; the champions laboured to a 2-1 win, and Liverpool could learn a thing or two about the resilience of their visitors. It will be a game of who wants it more.

Liverpool has more at stake than their visitors; a slip-up by United on Thursday against Brighton invites them openly to the top-four fight, but first, the Kops must do their own business by cutting the point deficit to just four.

Liverpool could hand a starting role to Diogo Jota, and the Portuguese came off the bench to score the late winner against Spurs. Luis Dias and Darwin Nunez are the other options, with Mohammed Salah sure to start on the right.

A midfield battle could see Liverpool return with the same trio that blew Spurs away in the first half: Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot, and Fabinho. Fulham won’t have Aleksander Mitrovic as he continues to serve his ban, but Willian is fit to return.

Verdict: Liverpool to win