Liverpool‘s match against Fulham is likely to be their most difficult fixture in their title race run-in, according to Reds expert David Lynch.
The Merseysiders are 11 points in front of second-placed Arsenal but following the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday afternoon, Arne Slot‘s side need just four more wins from their remaining eight games to confirm their status as champions.
The Reds face Fulham on Sunday, followed by games against West Ham United, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in their subsequent three matches, with Fulham the only one of the quartet currently residing in the top half.
Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch argued that Fulham could be Liverpool’s toughest opponents in their run-in, saying: “It’s a tricky one – Arsenal dropped points [at Craven Cottagd] earlier in the season. Fulham can make it really, really tricky for you.
“There will always be a little bit of nerves there [in the title race], so a couple of wins this week will go a long way to making everyone feel more comfortable, and of this run that they’re in at the moment before their last five games, Fulham away looks like the trickiest. If they can get two wins on board from these two, then everyone will be feeling that the title’s absolutely done.”
Liverpool managed to beat Everton 1-0 on Wednesday night, and to win two consecutive matches following their disappointing EFL Cup final defeat against Newcastle United on March 16 would help ease any concerns that fans may still have.
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The challenge of Fulham
In the reverse fixture against the Cottagers on December 14, Liverpool were held to a 2-2 stalemate but it should be noted that the Reds were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Andrew Robertson was sent off.
However, Slot’s side created numerous chances despite having a player disadvantage for the majority of the game and could have easily taken all three points.
Lynch expressed his belief that the Reds squad will take confidence from their performance at Anfield, and insisted that the hosts are not as strong as they were then when he told Sports Mole: “The upside is their form is tailing off a bit. At times they are inconsistent. You look at them getting beaten in the FA Cup quite comfortably in the end. They’re in that group of sides that can trouble you, but they may be towards the lower end of that.
“I also think Liverpool should be confident going into this one because as good as Fulham are, Liverpool played them off the park with 10 men at Anfield earlier in this season. It was one of their most impressive performances of this season, and though Liverpool didn’t win, they were incredible in that game.
“Liverpool have shown that there’s a gap between these sides, and I think Liverpool, if they come off the back of a win over Everton, should be going into that one full of confidence that they can win at Craven Cottage as well.”
Fulham come into Sunday’s clash having been beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on March 29 and having lost 2-1 against Arsenal on April 1.
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How important is a win on Sunday?
A win for Liverpool would increase their lead over Arsenal to 14 points, and with West Ham and Leicester in 15th and 19th place respectively, it would be surprising if they dropped any points in the next few weeks.
It should be noted that the Reds also face a difficult end to the season given they take on Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace in their final five matches.
Lynch was keen to highlight that Liverpool could head into their last games of the campaign with relatively little pressure, telling Sports Mole: “There’s some tough fixtures coming for Liverpool at the end of the season. They’ve got Chelsea away, Arsenal at Anfield, Brighton away, Crystal Palace at Anfield, and they are flying at the moment. That last bunch of fixtures looks tricky for Liverpool.
“The quicker they can get it wrapped up, the more comfortable everyone will be feeling. So to get wins in these two will be massive and it will set them to win the title as quickly as possible – that’s what everybody wants. Arsenal will drop a few points between now and the end of the season anyway and make it straightforward for Liverpool, but they want to get there as quickly as possible.”
In past title races against Manchester City, Liverpool have suffered heartbreak on the final day of the season twice, so to avoid such drama would be a welcome relief to supporters.
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