Here we go again then lads. Barely got to enjoy our fantastic win against Bournemouth on Sunday and just like that there is another game on the horizon. I am not complaining, that is quite precisely the price you pay when you are a top club. But yes, the reds travel to London to play Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. I am sure you do not need reminding.
Since Sunday there is quite a lot to talk about to be honest. We have had Pep Ljinders speak to the media earlier today which brought about some exciting news. Firstly, Andy Robertson is back in full training and will be a part of the squad that travel to the capital. Amazing. Dominic Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both schedueled to resume training on Thursday and should be available for our FA Cup 4th round tie against Norwich on Sunday. However, we did concede the information that Mohamed Salah’s injury is worse than initially thought and can be expected to take up to 28 days for the Egyptian to return to action. Obviously a major blow losing Salah but if Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez can build on their showings last time out then we have every reason to be confident in ourselves. Enough injury news. Let’s talk the game.
I anticipate a very difficult nights’ work against Fulham similarly to how the game was at Anfield. They will look to sit in and frustrate us with a dangerous threat on the break. Don’t get me wrong, if we are at it and controlling the possession then I can envisage a couple of early goals and we could bury the tie. But as we have seen so many times against a low block we can become frustrated and resort to long distance efforts. Of course, we have a lead to protect and at some point Fulham may have to throw the kitchen sink at us but I do not forsee this happening until late in the second half.
In terms of team selection heading into this one, I concede it is a cup game but it also one stop from Wembley so I want to see us go full strength tomorrow night. We have a chance at the weekend to rest and rotate with the visit of Norwich City on Sunday in the FA Cup. Kelleher will play tomorrow night and rightfully so, it is his cup. I would expect Conor Bradley to keep his place after impressing against Bournemouth. I would like to see Jarell Quansah partner Virgil Van Dijk, with the ever present Joe Gomez at left-back. Midfield should be Mac Allister in the 6. Then Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch. Curtis Jones I am not sure if he is fit after coming off against Bournemouth. Front three I would not change. Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota leading the line. Cody Gakpo able to change the game from the bench like he did in the first leg two weeks ago.
As for a score prediction, I never like to tempt fate. Especially when Wembley is at stake. But having said that, we have a right to be confident. We are playing really good football at this moment and there is no reason why we cannot blow Fulham away. We put four past Bournemouth and whilst the cup brings more jeopardy I think if we play our game then we should not have any issues tomorrow night. Let’s play the game, not the occasion.
Score prediction: FULHAM 0-1 LIVERPOOL [1-3 on Agg]
I hope you have enjoyed the match build-up. Please get your opinion in the comments, it would be massively appreciated. Next time you hear from me, the reds should hopefully have a trip to Wembley booked.