Liverpool are in action once again at Anfield looking to bring an end to a woeful run of home defeats as they welcome Fulham to Merseyside.
Having threatened to challenge for the Premier League title once again earlier in the season, the halcyon days of last seasons procession are a distant memory and the Reds are clinging onto any hopes of a top-four finish .
This clash, against a relegation-threatened but improving Fulham side has to be viewed as a must-win match for Jurgen Klopp ‘s side – not only for the points but to recapture any confidence that has recently deserted the squad.
The last meeting between the two ended 1-1 after Liverpool went behind early on before a Mohamed Salah penalty drew the Reds level at Craven Cottage.
Despite slipping to an unwanted record-breaking fifth straight home defeat on Thursday, there was a positive in the return of Diogo Jota , who looked lively during his cameo appearance.
With Ozan Kabak a doubt and Nathaniel Phillips deemed fit, there will be at least one forced change, but perhaps one or two tactical alterations also.
Here’s how we think Klopp will lineup and attempt to stop the rot…
GK - Alisson Becker
One of the few to perform to their level on Thursday and will be important here, especially if Liverpool persist with a high defensive line.
RB - Trent Alexander-Arnold
Certainly having a growing influence in an attacking sense and like Alisson, performed somewhere close to an expected level against Chelsea.
Can take hold of matches like this.
CB - Nat Phillips
Back available and hasn’t let anyone down when called upon.
Deserves an immediate recall.
CB - Ben Davies
Yet to be seen in a Liverpool shirt and won’t get many better opportunities to make a debut than this.
Back fit after struggling with a knock.
LB - Andy Robertson
Has been run into the ground this season but came out fighting after the Chelsea match and one of the few remaining leaders left standing.
Big performance needed.
CM - Fabinho
Returned to the defensive line on Thursday with Phillips absent but Liverpool need his energy and defensive mindedness in midfield.
Can offer protection to the defensive pair.
CM - Thiago
Hasn’t got going at Anfield yet but has proven quality and could benefit from having Fabinho back in midfield.
CM - Naby Keita
Watched on from the bench as a shot-shy Liverpool struggled to create chances on Thursday night.
Can offer dynamism and ball carrying ability that has been lacking.
RW - Mohamed Salah
Visibly upset at being replaced in midweek – needs to use that energy and stretch his lead further in the Premier League scoring charts.
LW - Sadio Mane
Has epitomised the struggles recently and can’t buy a goal.
Quality is all there but things need to start happening.
FW - Diogo Jota
Showed plenty of ingenuity and sharpness after entering the fray against Chelsea.
Has been badly missed and could operate in a fluid front three as Roberto Firmino sits out.
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