| Liverpool vs Fulham | |
| MATCH | Premier League |
| DATE | 12 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 07.30 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Anfield |
Match Preview
Liverpool have continued their impressive run of scoring at least twice in every match under Iraola, while also showing greater defensive organisation. The combination has seen the Reds establish themselves as one of the strongest sides both domestically and in Europe.
Following a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, Alexander Isak making an immediate impact with a quickfire brace, Liverpool produced another memorable night in Madrid. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were on target as the Reds secured a 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
Mac Allister's decisive contribution came at a particularly important moment, although his long-term future remains uncertain after Liverpool indicated that they were not prepared to offer him a new contract. Ultimately, his performances over the course of the campaign will determine whether that stance changes.
Liverpool are now searching for their first Premier League home victory of the season. The Reds have drawn each of their last three league matches at Anfield and are looking to avoid extending their longest home winless run since the difficult period during the COVID-19 era.
Fulham, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to their Premier League campaign under Alvaro Arbeloa.
The Cottagers actually recorded their first competitive victory of the season before Liverpool, beating AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the second round of the EFL Cup. Their league campaign, however, has been far less encouraging, with Fulham losing all three of their opening Premier League fixtures.
Those defeats have come in contrasting circumstances. Fulham were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea despite scoring twice, suffered a 1-0 loss away to Sunderland after failing to find a way through a disciplined defence, and then fell to a 3-2 defeat against Crystal Palace.
Fulham's underlying numbers against Palace were considerably better than the final score suggested, with the Cottagers registering an expected goals figure of 3.13. Nevertheless, the only statistic that currently matters most to their supporters is their points tally, which remains at zero.
Some Fulham supporters voiced their frustration at full time last weekend, with both the players and manager receiving criticism. Only newly promoted Coventry City are also yet to register their first Premier League point.
History provides further reason for concern. On the two previous occasions Fulham have lost their opening four matches of a Premier League season, they ultimately suffered relegation.
There is, however, a positive historical reference for the visitors. Fulham's most recent league victory at Anfield came during the 2020-21 relegation campaign, when Mario Lemina scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory in March 2021.
Since then, Liverpool have dominated this fixture on home soil, winning four and drawing one of their five meetings with Fulham in all competitions. The Reds also won the most recent encounter at Anfield, recording a 2-0 victory in April.
Recent Form
Liverpool — Premier League:
D • D • W
Liverpool — All Competitions:
D • D • W • W
Fulham — Premier League:
L • L • L
Fulham — All Competitions:
L • W • L • L
Team News
Fulham's injury situation remains largely unchanged. Luc De Fougerolles and Tom Cairney are the only confirmed absentees, with both players continuing their rehabilitation from knee injuries.
Manuel Angel, David Affengruber and Hugo Larsson were all included in the Fulham squad for the first time against Crystal Palace. Larsson was the only one to feature, coming on for a brief spell during the second half.
Arbeloa is expected to largely retain the team that started against Palace after being satisfied with his players' effort in the derby. However, Sander Berge could come into contention for Oscar Bobb if the Fulham boss wants additional defensive strength in midfield.
Liverpool suffered a couple of fitness concerns during Wednesday's Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez both left the field before full time, but Iraola confirmed that neither player had suffered a serious injury, with both affected by cramp.
Cody Gakpo is a bigger doubt after missing the midweek win with an adductor problem. Liverpool are also without Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa, who are all recovering from various injuries.
Victor Munoz is ready to step in if Gakpo and Barcola are unavailable.
Alexander Isak will also have a personal milestone in his sights. Should the Swedish striker score against Fulham, he will already surpass his entire Premier League goal tally from the 2025-26 season.