Liverpool have started their season in fine fashion by lifting the Community Shield and after this dress rehearsal, they will take on Fulham in the Premier League opener.
The Reds face Marco Silva’s side in a Saturday lunchtime kick-off and even though they are the favourites to pick up all three points, Jurgen Klopp is sweating over the fitness of a large number of players.
Fulham might be the underdogs in this tie but they had remained unbeaten against Liverpool during their previous top-flight appearance back in the 2020-21 season. While we don’t expect any such miracle this time around but Silva’s team can make life difficult for Liverpool.
Liverpool team news vs Fulham:
Alisson Becker missed the Manchester City game due to an injury but the keeper will be back to full fitness by the time Liverpool take on the Cottagers.
Ibrahima Konate is an injury doubt as he’s recovering from a knock. There is a chance he will not be ready in time, in which case Joel Matip will pair up with Van Dijk in central defence.
Naby Keita and Curtis Jones are both set to miss out as they missed Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly.
Official. Diogo Jota has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, as confirmed by club statement. 🚨🔴 #LFC
Diogo Jota’s new deal with LFC will be valid until June 2027. pic.twitter.com/sOVztlZ5Xv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
“Naby is ill and Curtis felt a little bit and we couldn’t take any risks,” said Klopp, as quoted.
“Curtis, we have to see. [There] was no impact or whatever, so that always makes it a bit, ‘My god, what could it be?’ We had no time; he felt it today and he wanted to play desperately, but then the medical department said no and that we needed to make further tests. We will do that tomorrow and then we will know more.”
With so many midfielders out injured, it will be an easy choice for Jurgen Klopp with Thiago, Fabinho and Henderson to be named in the starting XI.
Diogo Jota has picked up a thigh injury and he will only be back in action sometime towards the end of this month. Jota’s absence means Firmino and Darwin Nunez will fight it out for the centre-forward’s role.
The summer signing came off the bench against Manchester City and he ended up scoring a goal. After a muted pre-season, this was the ideal boost for Nunez and we think Jurgen Klopp will show faith in him to lead the line from the start.
Liverpool predicted line up vs Fulham:
Predicted Starting XI: Alisson; Trent, Joel Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago; Nunez, Mo Salah, Luis Diaz.
