Liverpool kick starts their new Premier League season as they face a newly promoted side Fulham on Saturday in Matchday 1.
In a Saturday lunchtime game at West London, Klopp’s side clearly the favourites against Marco Silva’s Fulham. However, the home side after finishing top last season in the Championship with a century of goals in the campaign would be eyeing to shock the title bidders.
Fulham vs Liverpool: Preview
Premier League newcomers (of the sort) have sprung surprises on an opening day in the past. So far in the transfer window, Fulham’s acquisition of quality players such as Bernd Leno, Kevin Mbabu, Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, and Manor Solomon show Marco Silva’s men mean business this season.
This season will also mark the home side’s third English top-flight return in five years.
Marco Silva’s men have would want to prove they are no longer a “yo-yo team”. The Cottagers are aiming to avoid swift demotion back to Championship third time in a row. With 90 points and 106 goals last term, to which their star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic contributed 43 will have a huge role to play for the cottagers in the League, this term.
However, in the pre-season, the West Londoners beat Nice and Estoril and played a draw against Villareal in the last game. Although Benfica have put past five goals in Fulham’s second Pre-season game.
Moreover, unfortunately, on matchday 1, Silva’s men are up against title-bidding side Liverpool.
Liverpool kick-started their campaign with a 3-1 win over Premier League champions Man City in Community Shield. The statement win clear sent the message, that the Anfield club is surely ready for the League title fight.
Talking about the title race, although it might seem somewhat early, Klopp and Guardiola have set standards very high. If the points totals are anything like the last few seasons, even a draw can prove fatal.
Last season Liverpool did conquer the much-awaited domestic cups i.e EFL Cup and FA Cup. However, narrowly missed out on Premier League and Champions League which did dampen the mood.
With the marque signing of Darwin Nunez, and the contract extension of Mo Salah, Liverpool are more than ready for the new campaign. Moreover, the Reds are going in search of their fifth opening-day win with at least three goals scored in succession this weekend.
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Klopp has injury concerns going into the game. The visitors are without Diogo Jota, Caominhn Kelleher, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the opening trip to Craven Cottage.
Furthermore, defenders Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, and midfielder Curtis Jones are major doubt for the fixture. However, Naby Keita should be fit for the game, after suffering from illness.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alisson Becker is anticipated to be back in the starting eleven.
Lastly, Klopp has a huge decision to make whether to start Firmino or Nunez for the starting spot.
Liverpool’s possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Diaz
Fulham vs Liverpool: What Anfield Home Predicts
Fulham faces a huge task on Saturday and cannot afford to put a foot wrong in their first game of the season. However, Silva’s side are prone to a leaky defense, and Liverpool will need no second advantage to full control of the game.
The visitors should be aware of the threat of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic posses but shouldn’t be any problem overcoming Cottager’s challenge.
Liverpool looks very likely to prevail over Fulham with a 0-3 win.
