Location: Craven Cottage
Date: 21/04/24
Kick-off: 4.30 pm
The story of the title race embarks on another chapter this weekend as Liverpool travel to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. After recent results, Liverpool will be desperate for all three points to keep up with Arsenal and Manchester City, who now have the advantage over the Reds.
Liverpool’s fortunes have certainly changed since before the international break. Jurgen Klopp’s side were destined for the perfect farewell; however, they are now staring at the prospect of just one trophy from the four that were competing for a few weeks ago.
The Reds are now in third place and with results potentially falling against them, they could find themselves six points off the league leaders Arsenal, when they face Fulham. This is also depending on Arsenal winning their respective games against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Jurgen Klopp’s trail current league leaders Manchester City by two points after 32 games played, who are the league leaders at time of writing, after Manchester City had overtaken them in the most recent match-week phase. The title race isn’t over by any means, although Liverpool now know they will be required to produce perfection if they stand any chance of securing their 20th league title.
Liverpool have accumulated 71 points from 32 games played this season – averaging 2.21 points per game. The away side have already won one trophy this season, being the Carabao Cup and are still technically in Europe although they will have to overcome a 3-0 deficit away at Atalanta. That fixture will be played just before their league game away at Fulham.
The visitors boast a great attacking threat, which Klopp is usually renowned for. Liverpool have scored over 100 goals in all competitions and have scored 72 goals in the league this season – averaging 2.25 goals per game.
The Reds currently boast the third best attack in the league and defensively they have been assured at the back having the second-best defence on record. Only Arsenal have a better defensive record than Liverpool.
The issue for Liverpool in recent weeks has been the points dropped in certain games. Amongst the top three, they have accumulated the most draws with eight including a recent draw against Manchester United where they arguably should have won the game.
As for the hosts, Fulham are going to be set for another season in the topflight of English football under Marco Silva. The Cottagers are currently 12th after 33 games played, having obtained 42 points. Marco Silva’s side have averaged 1.27 points per game this season.
Fulham could move into the top half of the table if they were to beat Liverpool at the weekend. The hosts would need some favourable results to move above local rivals Chelsea. A defeat would only move Fulham down a place into 13th, providing Bournemouth fail tow in their respective game or their game they currently have over them.
The hosts for this boast defensive and attacking stats for Fulham reflect that of a mid-table side. The Cottagers have scored 49 goals this season, with an average of 1.48 scored per game. Defensively, they are only marginally worse having conceded 1.54 goals per game.
The two sides have faced each other on three occasions so far this season, once in the league and twice in cup competitions. The league game at Anfield provided a great spectacle in which Liverpool won 4-3. Fulham were set to hold on for an incredible victory but goals from Waturu Endo and Trent Alexander – Arnold gave Liverpool all three points.