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Introduction
Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage today for a crucial Premier League encounter against Fulham, and Arne Slot has made just one change to his starting line-up. With the Reds still firmly in the title race, every fixture now carries enormous weight and Slot’s selections reflect the importance of maintaining momentum in this critical phase of the campaign.
Liverpool: Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konate, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Jota, Robertson, Gravenberch.
Subs: Jaros, Endo, Diaz, Nunez, Chiesa, Elliott, Tsimikas, Quansah, Bradley.
One Change from the Merseyside Derby Victory
Following the 2-0 midweek triumph over Everton in the Merseyside Derby, Slot has decided to freshen up his forward line. Cody Gakpo is brought back into the starting XI, replacing Luis Diaz, who moves to the bench. The decision shows the manager’s faith in squad depth and his tactical flexibility, especially with the attacking wealth at his disposal.
Gakpo, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, will be eager to make an impact today. His technical skill, intelligent movement, and ability to play between the lines provide Liverpool with a slightly different attacking dynamic compared to the more direct and pacey style of Diaz.
Midfield Trio Retains Its Balance
The midfield remains unchanged from the Everton victory, with Alexis Mac Allister anchoring the trio alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones. This combination continues to gain rhythm and understanding, with each player contributing different qualities.
Mac Allister’s calmness and range of passing provide a solid foundation, while Szoboszlai adds energy and verticality. Curtis Jones, meanwhile, brings control and tactical discipline, often acting as the glue between defense and attack. The balance of this midfield setup has been one of Liverpool’s quiet success stories this season.
Gravenberch Starts Again – Confidence Grows
Ryan Gravenberch retains his place on the left side of Liverpool’s attacking unit, joining Gakpo, Jota, and Salah in the final third. Gravenberch has started to find his feet in Slot’s system, offering composure on the ball and increasingly confident movement in tight spaces.
His inclusion indicates Slot’s growing trust in the young Dutchman, and today’s game presents another opportunity for Gravenberch to prove that he can be a consistent performer at the highest level.
Salah & Jota Lead the Line
Mohamed Salah remains a constant in the starting line-up, unsurprisingly. The Egyptian King continues to be Liverpool’s most dangerous weapon in front of goal and a vital source of creativity. His leadership, combined with an insatiable hunger for goals, will be vital against a Fulham side that has caused problems for top teams this season.
Diogo Jota also starts again, rewarded for his intelligent pressing and sharp finishing. With 13 goals already this season, the Portuguese forward has cemented his role as a reliable threat in Liverpool’s attack.
Van Dijk & Konaté Anchor the Defense
At the back, the formidable duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté continues in central defense. The partnership has been one of the key reasons behind Liverpool’s strong defensive displays in recent months.
Van Dijk, the skipper, brings leadership and composure, while Konaté complements him with athleticism and aggressive one-on-one defending. Their partnership will be crucial against Fulham’s forward threats, including the physical presence of iwobi and the creativity of Muniz
Kelleher Keeps the Gloves
With Alisson Becker still sidelined, Caoimhin Kelleher keeps his spot between the sticks. The Irishman has grown in confidence with every game, making vital saves and displaying excellent distribution. His performances have given Liverpool fans reassurance in the absence of their Brazilian No. 1.
Today’s clash will be another test for Kelleher, especially with Fulham’s tendency to take shots from distance and create chaos in the box through set-pieces.
Robertson Back to Full Fitness
Andy Robertson continues at left-back, having made a successful return from a long-term shoulder injury. The Scottish international looked sharp in recent outings, combining his trademark defensive tenacity with overlapping runs and dangerous deliveries into the box.
His presence will be important not just for his individual contributions but also for providing width and balance on Liverpool’s left flank especially with Gravenberch cutting inside often.
Conor Bradley Returns to the Squad
There’s positive news on the bench as Conor Bradley returns to the matchday squad following his injury setback. The Northern Irish youngster had been enjoying a breakthrough season before the injury and will be a welcome option for Slot in the coming weeks.
Bradley’s return adds depth to the right-back position and takes some load off the shoulders of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to recover from injury.
Star-Studded Bench for the Reds
Liverpool’s bench is nothing short of elite. Alongside Luis Diaz and Conor Bradley, the substitutes include Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah, and goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros.
This depth gives Slot the luxury of game-changing options should the match demand a tactical shift or late burst of energy. Nunez’s raw power, Chiesa’s dribbling magic, and Elliott’s technical control could all be called upon depending on how the game unfolds.
The Bigger Picture: Title Race Pressure Intensifies
As the Premier League title race heats up, Liverpool cannot afford any slip-ups. With rivals Manchester City and Arsenal breathing down their necks, every point is precious. Today’s fixture at Fulham, a tricky opponent who defeated Arsenal at home earlier this season, is far from straightforward.
Slot’s men will need to combine discipline with flair to unlock Fulham’s well-organized defense. While the Reds have had success on the road this season, Craven Cottage has traditionally been a tough venue.
Conclusion
With the end of the season approaching, every game is an opportunity to pick up vital points, build confidence, and keep pressure on their title rivals. Today’s line-up reflects Liverpool’s depth and quality, even as injuries continue to affect certain areas.
Fans will be excited to see Gakpo return to the starting XI, and with options like Nunez and Chiesa ready to come on, Arne Slot has plenty of firepower at his disposal.
Victory at Craven Cottage won’t come easy but with this squad, Liverpool have every reason to believe they can bring three points back to Merseyside.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com