Liverpool vs Fulham: Cottagers can frustrate Klopp's misfiring Reds
Liverpool are on a disastrous run at Anfield and Fulham’s gritty away form suggests Scott Parker’s men can grind out a draw on Sunday
When: Sunday, March 7, 14:00 GMT
How to watch: Sky Sports Premier League
Best bets
Liverpool to draw 1-1 with Fulham at 10/1 (Bet Victor)
Diogo Jota to score first goal at 9/2 (Unibet)
Ivan Cavaleiro to score anytime at 9/2 (Betfair)
Last three Premier League meetings:
Fulham 1-1 Liverpool (December 13, 2020)
Liverpool had the chance to go top of the table but fluffed their lines against a lively Fulham. The hosts were by far the better team in the first half and deservedly led at the break thanks to Bobby Decordova-Reid's fine strike. The lacklustre visitors finally came to life a little after the break and Mo Salah levelled from the spot. Fans were present for this one which helped Fulham's cause but Liverpool were flat - a portent of what was to come over the next few months.
Fulham 1-2 Liverpool (March 17, 2019)
Sadio Mane had scored his 11th goal in 11 games to put Jurgen Klopp's men in front after 26 minutes but former Red Ryan Babel cashed in on a defensive mix-up to net on 74 and pull the hosts level. Liverpool were going for the title at the time so tension was high. They found a winner nine minutes from time as Mane was fouled and James Milner slotted home from the spot to send Liverpool top with seven games to play.
Liverpool 2-0 Fulham (November 11, 2018)
The last time these two met at Anfield and it was far from a stroll. Fulham looked to have taken the lead when Aleksander Mitrovic headed home near half-time. But it was ruled out for marginal offside and 14 seconds later, the ball was in the Fulham net as Alisson's quick throw set Mo Salah away and the Egyptian ran from the halfway line to slot home. Xherdan Shaqiri calmed home nerves with a second on 53 as Liverpool moved onto 30 points after 12 games, two behind Manchester City.
Head-to-head in the Premier League - last 10
Liverpool wins: 7
Draws: 1
Fulham wins: 2
Liverpool scored: 24
Fulham scored: 9
Can Fulham extend Liverpool's disastrous run at Anfield?
The contrast is hard to believe. Liverpool went 68 games undefeated at Anfield in the Premier League. Now they're on their worst run at home ever having lost each of the last five. The alarming thing is that those defeats haven't been unlucky. Okay, Burnley's victory was a bit smash-and-grab but Brighton and Everton both deserved the three points and Manchester City and Chelsea outclassed Klopp's men.
Lack of home goals still the big problem for Reds
While the continuing central defensive injuries and change of partnerships remain a focal point for Liverpool's problems, the truth is that Klopp's men are still solid enough at the back. The goals against column is only three more than second-placed Manchester United and they've conceded fewer goals at Anfield than the Red Devils have at Old Trafford.
But, dig deeper, and it starts to make sense a little. Look through this Liverpool team and ask yourself a question: where are the goals coming from? Salah still scores plenty but the goals have dried up for Mane and Firmino. The midfield has never been a great source of goals and Virgil van Dijk's absence has also reduced the Reds' potency from set-pieces.
Liverpool's last five Premier League results:
Liverpool 1-4 Manchester City (Salah)
Leicester 3-1 Liverpool (Salah)
Liverpool 0-2 Everton
Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool (Jones, o.g.)
Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea
Scoreline prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Fulham
Fulham have managed a pretty healthy five goals in their last four away games and are unbeaten on the road since losing at runaway leaders Manchester City in early December. That seven-game run includes no less than six draws, the one victory also coming on Merseyside against Everton.
But it's the Draw that appeals most. It's as big as 19/5 at Unibet but the 10/1 at Bet Victor for a 1-1 correct scoreline looks outstanding value.
Goalscorer bets
The Portguese star will add an element of freshness in attack and is worth a first goalscorer bet at 9/2 with Unibet.
For the visitors, Ivan Cavaleiro has scored in three of his last eight Premier League away games. On those numbers he's a sporting bet at 9/2 with Betfair to find the net.