Seeking to reignite their respective charges after New Year’s Day frustrations, Fulham and Liverpool meet at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon for a clash that has recently guaranteed goals.
Arne Slot’s reigning champions saw their four-match winning streak evaporate in a toothless goalless draw against Leeds United on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Cottagers also saw a perfect run of three victories come to an end. They were forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Crystal Palace. With only three points separating these two sides in the top half, victory in the capital could drastically alter the race for European qualification.
Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table, trailing leaders Arsenal by 12 points. Consequently, the Reds cannot afford another slip if they wish to remain in the title conversation. Marco Silva’s Fulham occupy 11th place but remain part of a congested mid-table pack. They have shown great resilience at home lately, winning five of their last eight league matches at the Cottage. Historically, this fixture has been prolific. The last four league meetings between these clubs have produced a staggering 20 goals. Therefore, spectators should expect another high-scoring affair in West London.
Fulham vs Liverpool – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Craven Cottage, London
- Referee: Craig Pawson
- VAR: Andy Madley
- Last Meeting: Fulham 3–2 Liverpool, 6 April 2025, Premier League
Team News
Fulham
Marco Silva is managing several high-profile absences for this encounter. The Nigerian trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze remain away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Furthermore, Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon are confirmed absentees due to hamstring strains. Both Josh King and Kenny Tete will undergo late assessments, though Silva currently expects to be without the pair. On a positive note, Tom Cairney is pushing for a start after his late equaliser against Palace.
Liverpool
The Reds receive a boost as Joe Gomez is back in contention after missing three matches with a muscle injury. However, Wataru Endo remains sidelined with an ankle issue. Mohamed Salah also continues his AFCON campaign with Egypt. Arne Slot confirmed that Florian Wirtz was substituted against Leeds as a precaution due to hamstring tightness. Consequently, the German should be managed carefully alongside a fresh Cody Gakpo. Long-term absentees Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni also remain out of action.
Form
Fulham
Fulham have made Craven Cottage a formidable venue recently. They have won five of their last eight home league matches and kept clean sheets in four of them. However, Marco Silva has a difficult personal record against the champions. He has lost all 11 of his Premier League meetings against the title holders. This is the highest 100% loss rate for any manager in the competition’s history.
Liverpool
Arne Slot’s side saw an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions stretched by the draw with Leeds. Nevertheless, they have found London to be a comfortable destination. Liverpool have scored in each of their last 20 Premier League matches played in the capital. This run dates back to April 2023. Moreover, Hugo Ekitiké has hit his stride on the road. He has scored three goals in his last two Premier League away appearances.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham predicted XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukić, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jiménez
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Ekitiké
How to watch Fulham vs Liverpool?
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 14:00 GMT on Sunday, ahead of the 15:00 kick-off.
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