Liverpool vs Fulham Match Preview

Last updated : 08 November 2013 By Kurt Ellis

I believe we missed a huge opportunity last week. Before the start of the fixtures, I felt we needed to go for the win against Arsenal. However, after Chelsea lost against Newcastle, I felt the heavens had opened and a gift had been presented to us. After learning of the Chelsea result, I believe that Brendan Rodgers should have changed our strategy and formation and play for the draw. Park the bus, and if possible a few rental cars in front of the goal. My thinking was this, with a point gained at the Emirates, we would have moved clear into second spot ahead of Chelsea by one point. This would have also left us still two points behind Arsenal. With upcoming fixtures though, Arsenal face a tricky trip to Manchester United where I think they will lose. Liverpool are hosting Fulham and we should have a 4-0 win in this match at least. These results would have left us one point clear at the top of the table. Alas…woulda, coulda, shoulda.

This weekend we welcome Fulham to Anfield. I watched the cottagers play against United last weekend and for me, it was the worst performance of any team I have seen this year. Their defence communicated like two office chairs trying to have a conversation. Their central defensive paring looked as if they were in a cold panic whenever the ball came close to them, irrelevant of whether it was a pass or not. And attacking wise, Berbatov played the entire match at a walking pace. The only players who did not embarrass themselves were Parker, Sidwell and Riethe. This match should be the easiest three points for us so far this season. However, we need our first choice left and right backs to be available as soon as possible. Flanagan did not embarrass himself on the weekend, but he does not offer the same attacking threat as Johnson does. Cissokho has looked decent, but to be perfectly honest, not overly impressive. I would like us to continue with the 3-5-2 formation though for this match if Enrique and Johnson are fit, with the back three remaining as is. Gerrard and Lucas need to pick up their game if they intend to control a midfield of Sidwell and Parker. Coutinho behind Sturridge and Suarez up front. I would also like to see Aspas given about 30 minutes from the bench, provided we have at least a two goal lead. However, this system should be reserved provided we have both Enrique and Johnson starting. If we do not, we should opt for a 4-4-2 formation. Central pairing of Skrtel and Sakho with Flanagan/Johnson/Kelly on the right and Cissokho/Enrique on the left. I would sacrifice Coutinho from this formation and play Gerrard, Lucas, Moses and Henderson across the midfield and of course Suarez and Sturridge up front.

And our competitors…

Last week I managed to predict all of the results for our competitors, including Newcastles’ result against Chelsea. This weekend, Chelsea welcome WBA at the Bridge and the result should be an easy win for the Blues. Everton also travel to London and I am afraid Crystal Palace will not be able to prevent the Toffees from leaving with 3 points. Spurs host Newcastle, and I think Newcastle may cause another bit of an upset here. A think a draw could be the result. If not, then Spurs will win by the odd goal. Sunderland host Manchester City, and here is my upset of the weekend. I see City dropping points in this game. Both teams have had mid-week outings, but I think Sunderland will be more up for this match than the Citizens. I see a draw the most likely result. And the clash of the weekend is Man United versus Arsenal. Arsenal have not won a match at Old Trafford since 2003. Although they are the form team, I think United will get the three points.

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