Premier League: Liverpool v Fulham match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s clash at Anfield

Fulham, managed by Martin Jol, face Liverpool at Anfield (GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham manager Martin Jol insists that he doesn’t fear losing his job despite a poor start to the Premier League season which has seen the Londoners lose six out of their opening ten games.

In continuing to defy those calling for his head, the former Tottenham Hotspur coach will be hoping for a sharp upturn in form but his Fulham side will find it tough against a resurgent Liverpool side this season.

Jol has had to witness his side tumble down into the depths of the bottom half while registering the worst goal difference outside of the bottom three. Their Capital One Cup exit at Leicester City did little to settle the supporters’ nerves either.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have their own problems despite their best start to a season of the Premier League era. The 2-0 defeat away at Arsenal last Saturday reopened old theories that they lack the squad depth required to mount a credible challenge at the top.

Averaging 1.7 strikes a game, the Reds have enjoyed success in front of goal through the emergence of one of English football’s most formidable striker partnerships in Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge but defence frailties leave them at risk all too often.

Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, could have an entirely fit squad to choose from should Jose Enrique recover from the knee injury which has kept him out since the beginning of October.

“We're just waiting on Jose,” he explained yesterday. “That's something we'll assess in the next 24 hours. It will be great to have him back.”

With the opportunity to go within two points of Arsenal, still at the Premier League’s summit, Liverpool will be keen to get back to winning ways while Fulham are looking for their first victory since mid-October.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Fulham (Berbatov) 1-3 Liverpool (Sturridge x3), May 2013

Liverpool (Skrtel, Gerard, Downing, Suarez) 4-0 Fulham, Dec 2012

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham (Skrtel O.G), May 2012

Fulham (Dempsey) 1-0 Liverpool. December 2011

STATS…

Liverpool have only conceded three goals in 12 Premier League home matches against Fulham.

Fulham have kept three clean sheets in their last five Premier League visits to Anfield.

Liverpool have made more errors leading to a goal/attempt than any other side this season (12).

Daniel Sturridge has hit the frame of the goal three times this season, more than any other Premier League player.

Anfield has seen the highest number of headed goals in the Premier League this season (5).

No ground has seen more goals in the opening 15 minutes (3) than Anfield this season.

ODDS…

Liverpool to win: 1/4

Fulham to win: 10/1

Draw: 5/1

TV: Highlights on Match of the Day on BBC 1 at 22.50