Liverpool host Fulham in the Premier League on December 3. The match will take place at 2 pm GMT at Anfield. This is the Liverpool predicted lineup.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
Matchday at Anfield 👊#LIVFUL | #WalkOn pic.twitter.com/9zZL4pvCIg
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2023
How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently
Alisson Becker has started in goal but had a problem with his hamstring in the dying moments of their previous game against Manchester City. Caoimhin Kelleher is his potential replacement, starting in most Europa League and EFL Cup games.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has flourished offensively at right-back, whilst Kostas Tsimikas has cemented his position as Andy Robertson’s replacement (at left-back). Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are the centre-half duo, but Joël Matip has filled in due to injury problems.
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The midfield trio consists of three summer signings: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have also featured with Gravenberch – improving his fitness levels.
Darwin Núñez has started up front, whilst Mohamed Salah plays on the right wing. Diogo Jota has played at left wing regularly, with Luis Díaz (first-choice) benched with a personal crisis.
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Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics
Most recently, Liverpool drew 1-1 to Manchester City. This result was crucial in their title bid, leaving the Reds just two points off the top of the table.
A draw away at the Etihad is a considerably impressive result. Pep Guardiola’s side have not lost at home since December last year.
Jürgen Klopp has proved that his side can still compete with the treble-winners despite losing many starters in the summer, most notably Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Roberto Firmino.
This is key, considering Liverpool’s disappointing fifth-place finish last season.
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However, there were a few amber flags in the game. Alisson frequently misplaced passes and was under pressure by City forwards all game.
The Brazilian completed just two out of his sixteen attempted long balls, resulting in a 12% completion rate.
Most significantly, a failed punt upfield met Nathan Aké just 40 yards out, and the Dutchman was able to take advantage of the disarrayed Liverpool defence. He dribbled past multiple red shirts and found Erling Haaland, who bagged the opener.
Another problem was the lack of goalscoring chances created. This has not been a problem for the side previously. Liverpool have frequently underperformed their XG (expected goals). In that recent infamous 1-1 draw at Luton, Núñez missed three big chances.
The cause of this is hard to pinpoint, but it may be linked to the Citizens lining up with two frighteningly quick centre halves: Kyle Walker and Nathan Aké. This allowed them to combat the pace of Salah and Núñez.
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A final issue was Alexander-Arnold’s inability to deal with the skill of Jérémy Doku, who completed an incredible seven dribbles past him. His defensive capabilities have always been a weakness, but it was more apparent than ever against a world-class dribbler.
Liverpool should feel confident heading into the weekend, but there are issues – to be fixed against the highest-quality opposition.
Liverpool Injuries to Consider
As previously mentioned, Alisson is struggling with a hamstring problem. When asked about his return, Klopp said: “not on Sunday, probably not the week after”. Losing an “incredible” starter could damage the team in a busy festive period.
Konaté was withdrawn – before the hour mark against LASK in the Europa League. Klopp insisted he was taking “no risks” and “give him minutes but not too long”. It is unknown whether the French defender will start against Fulham.
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Jota also picked up an injury against City, being substituted in the second half. When the German manager compared his injury to Alisson’s, he described it as “a bit more severe” and admitted, “we don’t know exactly how long”. Fortunately, the forward line is not lacking in depth: Cody Gakpo and Díaz will provide sufficient cover.
Robertson, Thiago Alcântara, and Stefan Bajčetić remain out long-term. Klopp revealed that “nothing changed” during Thiago’s recovery recently.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher
LB: Kostas Tsimikas
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Joël Matip
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
CM: Curtis Jones
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
LW: Luis Díaz
ST; Darwin Núñez
RW: Mohamed Salah
