Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back from defeat against Arsenal against an underperforming Fulham side.
LFC Fans enjoyed Sturridge's hat-trick last time we played Fulham
LFC have a great chance to get back to winning ways as they make their return to Anfield this weekend. The game signifies the beginning of a new 5 match sequence of 'winnable' games before they enter a tricky Christmas period.
Fulham have lost 6 times in their opening ten games, and currently lie in 16th place in the Premier League. Their 3 victories have all come against teams below them - Palace, Sunderland and Stoke.
Admittedly, their away form has been better than at Craven Cottage, however Liverpool should certainly be aiming to pick up maximum points. If they can better Chelsea's result against West Brom then they have the opportunity to move in to 2nd place.
Team News
Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique are both expected to return to contention for the side. Steven Gerrard, despite some initial reports suggesting he may be unavailable, is likely to also be available for selection. Aly Cissokho had a disappointing game last weekend so expect at least one of these two wing backs to be involved.
The return of Philippe Coutinho is a welcome headache for Brendan Rodgers who must now decide how exactly his 3-5-2 formation is going to be adapted to include the talented Brazilian.
Steven Gerrard was disappointing against Arsenal, but he usually bounces back and Fulham should provide him with the perfect opportunity to do so.
Despite Liverpool's decent points haul so far, the midfield has been an area of growing concern. Gerrard and Lucas are a long way off their best football. Liverpool's defence has failed to keep a clean sheet for 7 Premier League games, and has yet to enforce a lockout since the switch to 3 centre-backs.
Team selection tomorrow will provide a fascinating insight into Rodgers' mindset going forward.
Fulham will be missing Hugo Rodellega who is out for a month.
v Fulham Stats
Liverpool's recent results against Fulham have been mixed.
We completed the double over them last season - Daniel Sturridge picking up a hat-trick away at Craven Cottage.
The season before and LFC were beaten home and away.
Betting
Liverpool are a rather over the top 4-1 ON to beat Fulham whilst the Cottagers are a extravagantly wild 14/1 to win.
Better value odds for a Liverpool win are on a half time draw before the reds run out winners. You can pick this up at 3/1.
A repeat of last season's 4-0 win at Anfield can be picked up at 13/1. Combine this with a Suarez or Sturridge first goal for some chunkier odds (LFC's midfielders have not scored a goal from open play this season).
Prediction
We think, despite our reservations about our midfield, that Liverpool's forward line will be too much for Fulham and can see both Sturridge and Suarez getting on the scoresheet. Couple that with our concerns about our defence and we predict a 3-1 victory for LFC.
