Gakpo Set to Ignite Liverpool's Attack as Reds Face Fulham Test
Liverpool needs to show marked improvement from their uninspiring scoreless stalemate against Leeds United as they head to Fulham for their Premier League encounter.
The Merseyside club travels to west London this Sunday afternoon looking to maintain their eight-match undefeated streak and get back to winning form, though they'll need to dramatically elevate their performance standards against the Cottagers to have any hope of claiming three points.
Liverpool understands that a single point will be sufficient to maintain their top-four position for another matchweek, but with a challenging fixture away to table-toppers Arsenal looming on Thursday, they must capitalize fully on what appears to be a more manageable London assignment.
Here's how Liverpool might set up against Fulham.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Fulham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—The Brazilian goalkeeper faced minimal threats against Leeds but can expect a busier evening at Craven Cottage as Fulham look to continue their four-match unbeaten sequence.
RB: Conor Bradley—The Northern Ireland defender was restored to the starting eleven in the previous match and successfully completed the game without sustaining injury or receiving a caution, which represents progress for him. Nevertheless, his attacking contribution was disappointingly limited.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Liverpool were fortunate that Konaté escaped a yellow card against Leeds that would have ruled him out of Sunday's fixture, with the French defender preparing for a challenging duel with Raúl Jiménez.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—While there have been marginal defensive enhancements during Liverpool's unbeaten sequence, even Van Dijk hasn't escaped concerning moments of lost focus. The reality that he and Konaté must feature in every fixture certainly doesn't assist matters.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Though Andy Robertson was elevated to the starting lineup against Leeds, Kerkez is anticipated to reclaim his spot on Sunday. He'll face a fascinating contest with impressive former Liverpool winger Harry Wilson.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch netted his maiden Premier League strike at Craven Cottage but will prioritize shielding his defensive line over adding a fifth goal to his season tally this weekend.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Curtis Jones has accumulated significant playing time recently and with fixtures arriving rapidly throughout January, Mac Allister, who was rested on New Year's Day, might step in for the academy graduate in the middle of the park.
RW: Jeremie Frimpong—Frimpong emerged as one of Liverpool's standout performers on Thursday when he stepped in for the unavailable Mohamed Salah on the right flank, building on his assist against Wolverhampton Wanderers with an energetic showing.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Back from his suspension against Leeds, Szoboszlai failed to produce any meaningful influence in attacking areas. The Hungarian midfielder will be eager to make a more significant contribution on Sunday.
LW: Cody Gakpo—With Arne Slot confirming that Florian Wirtz has been dealing with a minor hamstring issue, Gakpo might earn his first starting opportunity since the turbulent stalemate with Leeds four weeks ago.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Liverpool are becoming progressively dependent on inspired moments from Ekitiké, who faces the prospect of extensive game time in the upcoming months due to Alexander Isak's injury setback.
