By Karl Matchett
Points over performances
For champions-elect Liverpool, the midweek Merseyside derby was all about getting the victory, however it happened. Ultimately, it was narrow and nervy as far as wins go, despite dominating the ball for long stretches – but after losing a cup final and being knocked out of Europe, only the points mattered. And, it’s important to note, they’ve kept doing that.
Those defeats and a long international break meant it was very nearly a month since the Reds had last played or picked up a win in the Premier League – probably contributing to a wider feeling of it not quite being all over yet. But, it’s four straight wins for Arne Slot’s team in the top flight. They’ve actually increased their lead at the top over that period, even if the other competitions gave the atmosphere around Anfield a more nervous and uncertain aura than should really be warranted. With a 11-point lead, they now need just 11 more to seal a first league championship in five years.
Europe on the agenda
But Fulham are not bystanders here. They have an uneven home record this term, true, but they are also still very much in the mix for a place in Europe next season: tenth in the table but just six points off fifth with eight games to play. Marco Silva’s side suffered FA Cup defeat at the weekend though as well as that midweek loss to Arsenal and while they can still spring a surprise, it might be they are running out of steam as the campaign draws towards a close.
Recent form
In all competitions it’s three defeats in the last four for Fulham, while at home they’ve only won three of the last ten. Four of those are draws though, and even that would be seen as a positive against the league leaders. Liverpool themselves have only lost away to Tottenham, PSV and Plymouth this term – a first leg loss which was overcome in the return, and two second-string lineups. More notably, their last two away games have been wins at Man City and PSG.
Team news
Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete should return before season’s end, but not likely for this game, and Reiss Nelson may not play at all again this term. For the visitors, Alisson Becker will be assessed after concussion but the game may be too soon for Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, both in individual training. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains out, so Curtis Jones might play right-back again.
Key player
Diogo Jota finally found the net in midweek and with Mohamed Salah off the boil of late, that’s vital for Liverpool to get over the line. Jota ranks higher than 89% of similar players in assists, 96% in touches in the box and 91% for shots. Up his finishing a little and the Reds get the title in the bag.
Prediction
They might not be at their best but Liverpool found a way in midweek and can do the same again in West London: Fulham 1 Liverpool 2.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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