Arne Slot paid tribute to the returning Alisson Becker, describing the Liverpool goalkeeper as the “best in the world” ahead of their clash with Fulham.
The Brazil international returned from injury in midweek and played the full 90 minutes of the Reds' 1-0 win over Girona in the Champions League.
And Slot will hope he can build on the momentum of keeping a clean sheet as Premier League leaders Liverpool prepare to return to domestic action after last weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
“We have a great goalkeeper. I joked: maybe the players wanted to see how fit he was to give him so much work.” [against Girona]the Reds boss said.
“He showed it [on Tuesday] he is probably one of the best, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the world.
“Let's hope he can keep putting on these performances and that he can stay fit.”
Liverpool in 2024-2025
Switch up a gear in the second half of the matches. pic.twitter.com/wwul405yc5
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 10, 2024
Fulham are fresh from a credible 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend, with the Cottagers having now lost just one of their last seven league games.
“I'm more satisfied with the way our players fought [against Arsenal]the commitment, the organization,” said head coach Marco Silva.
“It's always difficult when we play against them, but they know it will be difficult too. We create a difficult scenario for them.
“It was a tough week. In eight days we played against Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal. [The players have] been great. The momentum is there for us, we have to be proud of the season so far.”
Silva also praised Antonee Robinson after his consistent performances at left-back.
“He's been great for us. He's one of the best left-backs in this league,” he added.
“It's not just the way he can stop players, but also the way he can help. He's a top player and a great professional. He's a real athlete and is improving in some defensive positions where we want him to improve. “
“He is improving season by season and week by week. We are very proud to have him with us.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool-Mohamed Salah
Salah is level with Erling Haaland as the Premier League's joint top scorer with thirteen league goals. He is also second to Bukayo Saka in the assists table, having provided eight.
The Egyptian has scored at least one goal in each of his last seven Premier League appearances. He has scored 99 home goals in 140 top-flight games, and one more goal means he is the fourth fastest player to reach 100.
Fulham – Raul Jimenez
Jimenez is level with Alex Iwobi as Fulham's top scorer in the competition so far with five goals.
The Mexican has scored twelve goals in his last 21 Premier League matches for Fulham. Of all players with more than 1,000 minutes for the club, Jimenez has the best minutes-per-goal ratio (192 minutes per goal).
MATCH PREDICTION: LIVERPOOL WIN
Liverpool are four points clear at the top of the Premier League, having played one game less than second-place Chelsea. They are unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions (16 wins, two draws).
Arne Slot's side have the second-best home record in the Premier League this season, having won six of their seven league games at Anfield (losing one).
They have beaten Fulham in nine of their last 12 league games, including in each of their last four clashes.
Although Fulham drew 1-1 at home to Arsenal last time out, they have now won just one of their last four Premier League games.
While they are unbeaten in three away games (won one, drawn two), Silva's side have registered just two wins in seven league matches this season.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Liverpool – 68.6%
Draw – 17.5%
Fulham – 13.9%
Comments