Annnnnnnnd it begins: Fulham v Liverpool, the Reds’ season opener is almost here
By Zubin Daver
That time of the year is here. The premier league is back. Fulham v Liverpool seems to be a one-sided affair (call me biased) between title contenders Liverpool and Premier League yo-yo outfit, Fulham.
There is only one way Liverpool can better last season and that is with another quadruple fight that ends a tad bit differently compared to last season. No pressure at all. That being said, Liverpool kicks off the new season with a trip to London to take on newly promoted Fulham. Do not forget to tune in for Liverpool’s first game of the season, Fulham v Liverpool.
Liverpool takes on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, August 6th. The game will kick off at 12.30 in the afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp did mention that he has gotten just four and a half weeks with the squad, the bare minimum, but the boys are ready to fight on all fronts once again.
Darwin Nunez has opened his account for Liverpool in their impressive 3-1 win over Manchester City in the community shield last week. We can expect him to hit the ground running at Liverpool, just like a fish to water.
However, we might not see Darwin get his first Premier League start just yet. Roberto Frimino is one of Klopp’s favourites and seems to be the chosen one to spearhead the attack.
Klopp is expected to go into this game with a midfield that we are all aware of. Fabhino when fit is one of the best players in his position and he is expected to have Captain Jordan Henderson and midfield Maestro Thiago Alcantara on either side.
With Konate out injured, we will see a very well-known defensive unit. Virgil van Dijk is expected to be paired with Joel Matip. Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson will start at fullback.
Last season, Harvey Elliott was thrown right into the starting XI, however, this time around, we could see him eased into the squad. Nevertheless, he is sure to get a lot of game time given the five substitute rule. Fabio Carvalho and Elliott will be a young duo to watch out for. This game though does come a tad bit early for either to get a starting berth.
Given the number of players in the physio room, there is an outside chance that Luke Chambers and Stefan Bajcetic could make the bench.
The players who will not be starting this game might get some game time in a closed-doors friendly that is scheduled for Sunday that will be played against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa. The club is yet to confirm these details.
Liverpool Team News
Klopp, during his press conference, has given everyone a fitness update right before the start of the season. The news is definitely bitter-sweet.
Liverpool has been handed an injury boost with Alisson Becker declared fully fit to face Fulham. In addition to him, Kostas Tsimikas and Naby Keita should be back and available sooner rather than later.
However, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade Chamberlin Diogo Jota, and Caoimhin Kelleher are all expected to be out for the foreseeable future.
Fulham v Liverpool: Expected Liverpool Line-up
Alisson; Trent-Matip-Van Dijk-Robertson; Henderson-Fabhino-Thiago; Salah-Firmino-Diaz
Fulham v Liverpool: Match Prediction
Fulham 0-3 Liverpool
Fulham v Liverpool: Expected Goal Scorers
Mohamed Salah x2
Darwin Nunez x1