Liverpool roll on with their magical mystery tour at Craven Cottage
Liverpool will roll on against Fulham.
Another record-setting season for these Reds and it’s still just December. From individual honors and team records falling it just seems quite surreal actually wherewithal the injury parade and turnstile of matches on the hop. The rise and shine of the youngsters enlisted to provide cover in key roles in big time matches is noteworthy.
From the stellar keeping of the young Irishman Kelleher, to the exploits of Scouser lad, Curtis Jones in mid park, to Neco and Rhys Williams, Nat Philips, Billy Koumetio in the backline, Liverpool have dodged daggers these past six or eight weeks with superior performances from a wounded yet undaunted side.
A share in the top of the table and through to the knockouts in Champions League; few would have predicted this level of success from the champions after the Everton affair.
Jurgen Klopp has managed to get maximum effort from his charges if not maximum points. Their form has been excellent of late and they keep finding ways to win important matches. Which brings us to the Fulham tie at Craven Cottage come Sunday evening.
Allison could be ready to go in this one, but if not the gaffer can have faith that Kelleher will put in another super effort in goal. It is reported from the club that Oxlade-Chamberlain is also nearing a return from injury. These are good signs for Klopp and Liverpool, as December is a crucial month in the league and Liverpool will be seeking to finish their third consecutive December without dropping points.
Fresh off a fairly easy home win against Wolves and a draw to Midtjylland midweek in Denmark find the Reds hunting a win and three points here to keep pace at the top of league table. This will set up the crucial midweek tie at Anfield with Spurs, a must-win affair if you are Liverpool.
Looking into the side and teamsheet for Fulham, Allison is a maybe in goal, while Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be ready to fly at full-backs. Matip and Fabinho are likely at centre-back comprising the backline, which has been pretty stingy lately when giving up goals.
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Midfield should see skipper Jordan Henderson with Gini Wijnaldum and a resurgent Naby Keita. Keita really needs to show some quality minutes and stay fit through the new year, at least until Ox can return and a recovering James Milner as well.
Make no mistake, due to the torturous, absurd nature of this campaign thus far, Liverpool will need all hands on deck to carry into the new year on the front foot. The fact fans have been reintroduced will be an uplifting positive for the Reds.
They have missed the audience in the stands. Watch how their performances reflect this not so subtle truth.
Expect the regular suspects up front, Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino, and Mo Salah. The only change or maybe in this sheet for me then is Jota getting the nod in midfield with Wijnaldum and Henderson over Keita.
Klopp will be looking to expend just enough energy here to get the points, with one eye on that looming midweek affair with Tottenham. Fulham can be tricky and play well at home. Liverpool will want to make sure they are focused and running out a proper game of Reds football and the rest will take care of itself.