Game Week 4 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Fulham

Liverpool vs Fulham preview: Iraola’s Reds seek a third straight win as Arbeloa’s winless Cottagers visit Anfield.

Andoni Iraola and Alvaro Arbeloa will face off for the first time on Saturday in the Premier League. With the Fulham boss under pressure, can Liverpool heap more misery on them? (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Liverpool vs Fulham

Anfield

3:00pm

Has Liverpool turned the corner? This fixture is a good one to find out the real state of Liverpool's health this season after their first back-to-back wins of the season.

The Reds endured a slow start but beat Ipswich last weekend before seeing off Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Andoni Iraola is gradually planting his feet at Anfield, and this might be a good time to see how far his team has come under his tactics.

Álvaro Arbeloa could be in danger. This game at Anfield could heap so much pressure on the former Real Madrid man, having lost his previous three games in charge. The dugout is a pressure pot; only results can keep things calm.

You must feel for Arbeloa. His side was impressive in patches against Crystal Palace last weekend, but some defensive frailties saw them concede cheap goals, which took the result away from them. Can he find joy at Anfield?

Liverpool will be without Cody Gakpo, a player who has shone brightly for them so far this season. You wonder where they'd be if they had sold him to Manchester City as widely expected deep into the summer window.

Alexander Isak scored twice against Ipswich and was pivotal to the win in midweek in the Champions League. The Swede had a difficult first season at Liverpool; he could be back to his best, which we all know can be dangerous for defenders.

Fulham plays good football. They have experienced players who can navigate this difficult terrain, but they don't want to linger so long in the murky relegation waters. A good result at Anfield could galvanize their season, while another loss could spell doom.

To be honest, it might get worse before it gets better for the Lilywhites. Next up after the trip to Anfield is a cup game against Westham, after which they host Manchester United at Craven Cottage. The next two after that could offer a reprieve in an away game at Portman Road, then a home game against Hull City.

Gonzalo Garcia has scored once this season; he needs to do more. The former Real Madrid striker was brought in to replace Raul Jimenez; he must start producing results to help the team. Alex Iwobi remains the leading light in midfield; can he step up at Anfield?

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister both scored against Atletico Madrid; both will return in midfield to once again have the back four now looking settled. Victor Munoz looks like he's finding home on the right, but how does Liverpool cope without Gakpo?

Verdict: Liverpool to win.