Liverpool are set to face Fulham in a Premier League clash, with former Reds player Álvaro Arbeloa returning to Anfield as the manager of the Cottagers. This match marks Arbeloa’s first Premier League game against his former club, where he played in the competition.
Historically, Liverpool has a strong home record against Fulham, having lost only two of their previous 33 home league games against them. These defeats were 1-0 losses in May 2012 and March 2021. Since completing a double over Liverpool in the 2011-12 season, Fulham has secured only two wins in 16 Premier League encounters with the Reds, alongside four draws and ten losses.
Team Form and Performance
Liverpool have drawn their last three Premier League games at Anfield. Their last longer winless streak at home in the league occurred between December 2020 and March 2021, which included two draws and six losses.
Fulham, along with Coventry City, is one of two sides in the Premier League this season with no points so far in 2026-27, having lost three matches. The Cottagers have only lost their opening four top-flight league matches in 1951-52 and 2020-21, both seasons ending in relegation.
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s head coach, discussed the team’s start to the season in a press conference. He noted that the team has been dangerous and created chances, scoring two goals in every game so far this season. However, he emphasized the need for greater efficiency, particularly in not conceding two goals against teams like Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, and improving game starts.
Iraola also commented on Fulham’s performance, stating that despite their three losses, they have played well in their games, losing each by a single goal. He observed that Fulham has controlled games, often maintaining significant possession, and possesses technically skilled players, making them difficult to press.
Player Focus and Managerial History
Liverpool’s Alexander Isak has equaled his Premier League goal return from last season following a brace against Ipswich Town. He is looking to score in three consecutive league matches for the first time since a run between December 2024 and January 2025.
Jérémy Jacquet of Liverpool has won 18 of his 25 duels in the Premier League this season, achieving a success rate of 72%. Only James Tarkowski has a higher success rate among players with a minimum of 20 duels. Jacquet also ranks fifth overall for line-breaking passes into the final third.
For Fulham, Gonzalo García has made 43 off-ball runs in behind, a figure surpassed by only Bryan Mbeumo and Kai Havertz. García also ranks among the top five players for touches in the opposition’s box, with his teammate Josh King leading the league in this statistic.
Managerial history shows that former Premier League players for Liverpool have lost all five of their managerial games against the club in the competition. This includes Paul Ince with Blackburn in December 2008, Mauricio Pellegrino twice with Southampton in 2017-18, and Steven Gerrard twice with Aston Villa in 2021-22. This trend sets a precedent for Arbeloa’s return to Anfield.
Iraola also praised Alexis Mac Allister’s form, highlighting his understanding of the game and experience, which benefits the relatively young Liverpool squad. He expressed satisfaction with Isak’s improvements, noting his physical condition and confidence, and his growing understanding of the number nine position.
The Liverpool manager also spoke about Ronald Araujo’s adaptation to the club, acknowledging the challenge of a new country and language, but noting his strong performances, particularly when coming off the bench and starting in different positions. Iraola also commended Lewis Koumas, who he decided to keep with the first team for the entire season due to his versatility and positive attitude.
The upcoming match will see Liverpool, currently in sixth position in the Premier League table, face Fulham, who are in 19th place.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Manchester City | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 9 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 2 Arsenal | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 9 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 3 Hull City | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 4 Chelsea | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 5 Brentford | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 6 Liverpool | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 | No Result No Result No Result D Result… |
| 7 Newcastle United | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 | No Result No Result No Result D Result… |
| 8 Everton | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 9 Leeds United | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 10 Brighton & Hove Albion | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 11 Manchester United | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 4 | No Result No Result No Result L Result… |
| 12 Sunderland | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | No Result No Result No Result L Result… |
| 13 Crystal Palace | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 3 | No Result No Result No Result L Result… |
| 14 Ipswich Town | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 3 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 15 Bournemouth | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 2 | No Result No Result No Result L Result… |
Source: bbc.co.uk