Fulham stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey will play key roles on Sunday because the Cottagers attempt to cease Liverpool from making Premier League historical past.
The Reds journey to Craven Cottage hoping to complete the season with out dropping any away matches. In the event that they keep away from defeat towards Fulham — and of their remaining away video games at Leicester Metropolis, Chelsea and Brighton — they’ll change into simply the fifth crew to go unbeaten away from house in a complete English top-flight season.
Liverpool, now managed by Arne Slot, sit high of the desk with an 11-point lead after Arsenal dropped factors at Everton on Saturday. With solely eight video games left (seven for Arsenal), the title is inside Liverpool’s attain.
To date, Liverpool have 10 wins and 5 attracts from 15 away video games. Their solely loss within the league this season got here at house towards Nottingham Forest.
However Fulham produce other concepts.
Marco Silva’s aspect are ninth on the desk and nonetheless have slim hopes of pushing into the European spots. They’re simply six factors behind fifth-placed Manchester Metropolis, though golf equipment like Aston Villa, Newcastle and Brentford are additionally within the race.
Fulham’s house kind has been respectable — six wins, 5 attracts and 4 losses in 15 video games. They’ve additionally received two of their final three matches at Craven Cottage and will likely be hoping to make it three out of 4 towards Liverpool.
Nigeria internationals Iwobi and Bassey are anticipated to be within the beginning line-up. Iwobi’s vitality and attacking motion will likely be necessary in midfield, whereas Bassey will should be stable on the again to comprise Liverpool’s entrance line, which may embody the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez or Diogo Jota — who scored within the reverse fixture at Anfield that ended 2-2.
Will historical past be made or halted?
Liverpool are chasing a uncommon away document achieved solely by Manchester United (2020-21), Arsenal (2001-02 and 2003-04), and Preston North Finish (1888-89).
However with Fulham motivated and in good house kind, and with Iwobi and Bassey desirous to shine, the Cottagers would possibly simply spoil Liverpool’s plans.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Liverpool
Count on a decent contest in West London, with Fulham doing simply sufficient to earn a share of the factors and deny Liverpool one other away win.
