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Liverpool will go in search of keeping the pressure up n the race for a top four finish when they play hosts to Fulham on Monday.
Two wins in ten days against Chelsea and a hard earned point against Manchester City represents a good couple of weeks for boss Kenny Dalglish, but with those tough ties behind him the Scot will be looking to get back to the business of picking up win after and securing enough points to gain a place in the Champions League next season.
While all appears to be going swimmingly for the Reds in recent weeks they were dealt a major blow earlier this week when it was revealed that midfield dynamo Lucas Leiva would be out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury that he picked up in the Carling Cup quarter final over Chelsea.
While Lucas endured a torrid start to his career at Anfield, incurring the wrath of the Anfield faithful who thought he wasn’t up to scratch, the Brazilian international has turned things around and earned the player of the year award last season.
Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher described the former Gremio midfielder as Liverpool’s “best player” for the last 18 months, and will be sorely missed as his side continue their progress under Dalglish.
Steven Gerrard continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines as he recovers from the ankle infection that has bighted his season as he attempted to come back from a groin injury, and youngster Jay Spearing may step into the side to replace him.
Fulham meanwhile will look to recover from their disappointment in mid-week in the Europa League and claim an unlikely win at Anfield, but may have to do it without winger Damien Duff after the Republic of Ireland international suffered a recurrence of an old calf injury he has carried through his career.
In-form forward Moussa Dembele should be fit to start and faces completion in attack from Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz who have also shaken off knocks to partner Bobby Zamora.
Under new boss Martin Jol the west London outfit have struggled to find any semblance of form so far and have only picked up two wins from their first 13 games, but a valuable point against Arsenal last week will have done wonders for their confidence going into what is expected to be a tough tie for them.
Match winner
Fulham have a less than impressive record against Liverpool in recent years, and have failed to find the back of the net in six of their last eight encounters against the Reds.
With that in mind it is easy to understand why Liverpool are favourites, with VC Bet offering odds of 2.25 (5/4) on a home win.
Fulham are 3.60 (13/5) to claim three points while the draw is well worth considering given the Cottagers spirited performance against Arsenal, with Bet365 are offering 4.00 (12/5) on a stalemate.
First Goalscorer
Liverpool’s impressive array of talent sees a host of men in red at the top of the first goalscorer market, with the impressive Luis Suarez leading the way.
The Uruguayan is the favourite to get proceedings under way, with Bet365 offering odds of 6.50 (11/2) while his likely partner Andy Carroll comes in just behind him at 7.50 (13/2) with the same bookmaker.
Moussa Dembele has been in good form this season and has attracted interest from Spurs, and he will look to add to his goal scoring tally this season, and is 10.00 (9/1) with BlueSQ to open the scoring.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Bobby Zamora, 7.50 (13/2) William Hill
Correct score: Liverpool 2-1, 9.00 (8/1) BetFred
