Fulham vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch

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Fulham vs Liverpool preview, pressure points in west London

Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage this weekend with urgency humming beneath the surface. The new year began without the lift Arne Slot wanted, a goalless draw at Anfield against Leeds that stalled momentum and halted a four game winning run across all competitions. For a side that lifted the Premier League crown last season, fluency and authority are demanded rather than hoped for.

That stalemate carried consequence. Liverpool missed the opportunity to edge clear of Chelsea and Manchester United in the crowded chase for Champions League qualification and, by the time they kick off in west London, could find themselves nine points adrift of third placed Aston Villa. January rarely defines a season, but it often sharpens it, especially for elite sides still searching for rhythm after festive congestion.

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Fulham form and confidence under Silva

Fulham approach this contest with quieter confidence. Marco Silva’s side showed resilience on Thursday evening, recovering from a goal down to draw with Crystal Palace and stretch their unbeaten Premier League run to four matches. There is coherence in their play and belief in their structure, even if resources are stretched by absences.

Craven Cottage has not been a forgiving venue for Liverpool of late. During Slot’s title winning campaign last season, Fulham proved awkward opponents and Liverpool failed to win any meeting with Silva. That included a league defeat in west London, only their second of the 2024-25 campaign, a reminder that control on paper does not always translate on grass.

Team news and key absences

Fulham’s selection issues are concentrated around availability rather than balance. Their AFCON trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze remain absent as Nigeria prepare for round of 16 action against Mozambique. Ryan Sessegnon is doubtful after six games out with a thigh injury, Rodrigo Muniz is sidelined for another month, and Kenny Tete’s early exit against Palace places his involvement in serious doubt.

Liverpool’s list is equally disruptive. Mohamed Salah is away on AFCON duty with Egypt, removing a central reference point in attack. Long term injury casualties Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable, while Wataru Endo is again expected to miss out. There is cautious optimism around Joe Gomez, who is due to return to training, and both Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez are pushing for recalls after bench roles against Leeds.

Where Fulham vs Liverpool can be watched

In the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 2pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event, ahead of a 3pm kick off. Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the game via the Sky Go app. Highlights will be available from 5.15pm GMT on the Sky Sports app and YouTube, with Match of the Day airing on BBC One at 10.30pm.

Fulham are ticking along with purpose, their only recent disappointment coming via late Carabao Cup heartbreak against Newcastle. Liverpool, by contrast, looked short of ideas against Leeds and, shorn of key attackers, face another testing afternoon. This feels like a moment that demands clarity from Slot’s side rather than patience.

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