bet365
BetMGM
William Hill
Betfred
BetUK
LiveScoreBet
10Bet
Virgin Bet
Can Fulham’s wide game and set-piece edge disrupt Liverpool’s control at Craven Cottage? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
▾
Sheffield United score 1.42 goals per game and are strong at set pieces, making them favorites at home. However, they are very weak at defending counter-attacks and protecting leads, conceding 1.54 goals per match on average. Mansfield score 1.33 per game and are strong on the wings, making them a major threat to score on the break.
▾
This scoreline reflects Sheffield United's status as favorites while accounting for their defensive vulnerabilities. They average over 1.4 goals per game but concede 1.54, making a clean sheet unlikely against a Mansfield side that averages 11.33 shots per match. A narrow home win represents the most logical outcome based on their respective scoring and conceding trends.
Readers’ Tip
Vote your pick — quick & anonymous
Terms & Conditions (tap to view)
Fulham vs Liverpool Predictions and Best Bets
Fulham vs Liverpool — bet365 Market Snapshot
Market snapshot showing illustrative probabilities and pricing for the upcoming Premier League fixture.
- Shot volume vs shot volume: Liverpool average 15.3 Premier League shots per game (30 goals in 19), while Fulham average 11.9 (26 in 19), shaping who can turn territory into chances.
- Possession and passing contrast: Liverpool’s Premier League profile shows 61.6% possession and 86.0% pass completion, compared with Fulham’s 51.7% and 83.6%, hinting at long spells of visiting control.
- Tight-game trend on Fulham’s side: Fulham’s last three matches in all competitions finished under 2.5 goals, including the latest 1-1 at Crystal Palace, suggesting recent contests decided by fine margins.
Possession and Control
A look at how much of the ball each side typically controls during Premier League fixtures.
The hosts maintain a balanced approach, staying above 50% on average this season.
The visitors look to control matches by keeping high volumes of the ball in the opponent’s half.
Attacking Volume: Shots per Game
The frequency of attempts on goal created by both sides across the 19 league matches played so far.
Fulham’s wing-heavy play translates into roughly 12 chances per game.
A relentless attacking style sees them average over 15 attempts every 90 minutes.
With pessimism swirling around the red half of Merseyside again, Liverpool head down to London for Sunday night’s Premier League visit to Fulham at Craven Cottage (4 January 2026, 22:00 GMT). It’s a fixture that rarely stays quiet for long, even when the mood says it should.
Both sides arrive off stalemates that snapped winning sequences. Liverpool’s four-game winning run ended on Thursday with a goalless draw against Leeds United, while Fulham’s own winning stretch was halted by a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. That combination can leave a match feeling like a reset button: one team searching for sharpness after a rare blank, the other trying to turn “solid point” energy into something more assertive on home turf.
The league table adds another layer. Fulham sit 11th on 27 points after 19 games, Liverpool are 4th with 33 points. It’s not the sort of gap that makes the night feel like a formality, but it is the sort that makes the pressure land differently: Fulham with the chance to punch upward, Liverpool with the need to keep their footing among the leading pack.
And if you like the idea of a game being decided by who imposes their favourite routes first, this has the ingredients. Fulham’s profile leans into width and wing play, while Liverpool’s strengths also point toward wide attacks and counter-attacking threat. One pitch, two sets of wingers and full-backs, and plenty of scope for the evening to become a tug-of-war over the flanks.
Team News and Likely Set-Ups
Fulham’s possible starting lineup suggests a clear structure: Bernd Leno in goal; a back four of Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca and Antonee Robinson; a double pivot of Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge; and then Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin in support of Raúl Jiménez.
There are also specific absences listed for Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz is out with a hamstring injury until 21 February 2026, while Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are away after being called up to their national teams until 19 January 2026. In practical terms, that leans Fulham toward continuity in the spine (Leno, Andersen, Lukic, Berge, Jiménez) and places extra creative weight on Wilson, Smith Rowe and Kevin to connect the play.
Liverpool’s possible starting lineup is: Alisson; Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo; (the final forward name is not shown in the lineup text provided). Even with that missing piece, the shape implied is a familiar one: a back four with aggressive full-backs, a two-man base in midfield, and three advanced creators behind a central forward.
Selection-wise, Liverpool’s squad list in the league also includes names like Hugo Ekitiké, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, Andy Robertson and Wataru Endo. The likely XI above points to balance: Gravenberch offering ball-carrying and goals from midfield, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister as connective tissue, and the front line geared toward direct running as well as combination play.
How the Match Could Be Played
Start with the wings, because both sides do. Fulham are rated strong for attacking down the wings, they play with width, and they’re noted for attacking down the left. That immediately puts Robinson in the spotlight, with Smith Rowe and Kevin as the nearby links who can make that left side feel crowded in the right way: overlaps, underlaps, and quick short-passing triangles that try to pull Liverpool’s right side out of shape.
Liverpool, though, are rated very strong attacking down the wings and strong on counter attacks. So the first tactical question is whether Fulham’s width becomes a platform for territory, or a trapdoor that Liverpool can spring through when possession turns over. If Fulham push Robinson and Castagne high to stretch the pitch, the spaces behind them are the obvious transition lanes. Liverpool’s ability to counter quickly means Fulham’s rest-defence — particularly how Berge and Lukic position themselves when attacks develop — matters as much as the final ball.
In possession, Fulham’s style points to short passes and a willingness to play an offside trap. That can help them keep a higher line and compress the pitch, but it’s a risky mix with two listed weaknesses: avoiding offside and defending against through ball attacks. Against a Liverpool side that likes to play in the opposition half and also threatens in transition, the margins are thin. If Fulham step up together, it can squeeze Liverpool’s creators and force wide deliveries. If the line wobbles by a yard, those through-ball channels open.
Liverpool’s own profile is possession football with an emphasis on controlling games in the opponent’s half, and their passing numbers reflect that kind of approach. The likely back line has Van Dijk and Konaté — both dominant in aerial duels — with full-backs who can advance. That can pin Fulham’s wide players deeper than they’d like, especially if Liverpool’s wingers hold the touchline and the full-backs underlap into the half-spaces.
But it won’t be a pure “Liverpool camp outside the box” evening unless Fulham allow it. Fulham are marked strong for stealing the ball from the opposition and for defending set pieces, and they’re also tagged as coming back from losing positions. That speaks to a side that can survive a rough spell, then nick momentum with a turnover or a well-defended dead ball that becomes a platform to go the other way.
The battle in the middle is quietly massive. Berge’s passing percentage is listed at 90.1% in the league, while Lukic sits at 84.5%. For Liverpool, Jones is shown at 92.4% and Gravenberch at 89.8%. That suggests long phases where both midfields are comfortable circulating the ball — which often means the game is decided by who can speed it up at the right moment. Fulham will want to turn those neat passes into wing attacks quickly enough to test Kerkez and Frimpong before Liverpool’s shape settles. Liverpool will want to lure Fulham’s wide players forward, then punch into the spaces they leave.
William Hill
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
BetMGM
Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
bet365
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Betfred
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
10bet
100% Up To £50 On First Deposit
Show Terms & Conditions
The Numbers That Support the Story
Liverpool’s overall league output points toward pressure and volume: 30 goals in 19 Premier League games, and 15.3 shots per game. That shot volume matters because it often translates into sustained territory — especially when paired with 61.6% possession and 86.0% pass completion in the league. In plain terms: Liverpool tend to have the ball, complete passes at a high rate, and get efforts away regularly. If Fulham spend too long defending their box, those repeated waves can turn small errors into big moments.
Fulham’s league profile is slightly different: 26 goals in 19, with 11.9 shots per game, 51.7% possession and 83.6% passing. Those are still solid “play football” numbers rather than pure backs-to-the-wall survival. Yet Fulham are also tagged weak at finishing chances, which is the kind of detail that can decide a night like this: you might not get many clean looks against a top-four side, and when you do, you need to make them count.
There’s also a set-piece contrast baked into the characteristics. Fulham are rated strong at defending set pieces; Liverpool are rated weak at defending set pieces. That isn’t just trivia — it can shape behaviour. Fulham may lean into earning corners and free-kicks, knowing those situations can level out open-play control. Liverpool, meanwhile, will want to avoid cheap fouls in wide areas and defend second balls with real urgency.
Recent scorelines suggest fine margins too. Fulham’s last league match finished 1-1 at Crystal Palace, while Liverpool’s last match was 0-0 with Leeds United. And across Fulham’s last three games in all competitions, each finished under 2.5 goals. That points toward a run where Fulham have been involved in tighter contests recently — the kind where a single lapse, a single set-piece, or a single transition can swing the whole storyline.
Key “Moments” to Watch
The first big moment might come before the first shot. Liverpool’s recent away pattern includes four straight away games in all competitions finishing level at half-time. If that rhythm repeats, it can make the opening 30–45 minutes feel like a chess match: Liverpool probing, Fulham trying to spring wide breaks without exposing themselves. But if Fulham score first at home, the atmosphere can flip quickly — and they’re tagged as strong at coming back from losing positions, which hints at a team that doesn’t fold if the game state changes.
Watch Fulham’s left. The style notes “attacking down the left” and “play with width”, and Robinson is a natural reference point for that lane. If he’s able to get high and combine with Smith Rowe and Kevin, Fulham can drag Liverpool’s shape toward the touchline and look for cut-backs or shots created from the edge. Liverpool, though, are strong at creating long-shot opportunities themselves, and Fulham are also listed as strong in that department. That raises the prospect of a match where, when the box is crowded, both sides are willing to have a swing from range — and one deflection changes everything.
The second key moment is the set-piece cycle. Fulham’s strength in defending set pieces meets Liverpool’s weakness in defending them, and those opposing traits can become self-fulfilling: Fulham more willing to pump balls into dangerous areas, Liverpool more anxious to clear first contacts, and the whole stadium living off second balls. If Fulham can repeatedly turn pressure into corners, they give themselves a route to stay level even if Liverpool dominate open play possession.
Finally, keep an eye on the offside line and through-ball risk. Fulham’s style includes playing the offside trap, but they’re also listed as weak at defending against through balls. That tension is where games get messy: one well-timed run, one delayed pass, and suddenly the neat structure is sprinting back toward its own goal.
What could go wrong with this read? Plenty. A game that looks like it’s headed for long phases of control can be flipped by a single transition, a set-piece bounce, or an early goal that forces a side to abandon its preferred tempo. If either team scores against the run of play, the tactical script can be rewritten in seconds — and Craven Cottage has seen enough of those nights to know better than to assume anything stays stable.
Best Bet for Fulham vs Liverpool
[bt4y_article_veil]
Liverpool to Win and Both Teams to Score
The dynamic at Craven Cottage suggests a high-stakes encounter where both sides find the back of the net, but the visiting side’s superior technical depth ultimately prevails. While Liverpool experienced a frustrating goalless draw against Leeds recently, their season-long performance of 30 goals in 19 games and an average of 15.3 shots per match indicates an offensive engine that is rarely stalled for long. Despite missing key figures like Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, the frontline led by Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitiké remains potent. Fulham, however, are far from defensive pushovers at home, averaging 1.7 goals per game in their own stadium. This scoring efficiency at Craven Cottage, combined with Liverpool’s noted weakness in defending set pieces, provides a clear path for the hosts to get on the scoresheet.
Tactically, the match is set to be a clash of wide-attacking philosophies. Fulham’s strength in attacking down the left, often spearheaded by Antonee Robinson, will test a Liverpool backline that features aggressive full-backs like Jeremie Frimpong. This tendency for both teams to commit numbers forward often leaves spaces to be exploited on the counter-attack—a category where Liverpool are rated as “strong.” Fulham’s high offside trap is a high-risk strategy against a team with the passing range of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, who can exploit a defensive line that is statistically weak at defending through balls.
Furthermore, Fulham’s recent resilience, including their ability to come back from losing positions, suggests they will stay competitive throughout the 90 minutes. However, the sheer volume of Liverpool’s possession—averaging over 61%—and their ability to control matches in the opponent’s half usually wears down mid-table opposition. While the London side can cause significant problems through set pieces and wide play, the visitors’ higher shot conversion and elite ball circulation should allow them to outscore their hosts in a competitive, end-to-end affair.
What could go wrong
A potential pitfall for this selection lies in the clinical nature of the finishing. Fulham are statistically noted as being weak at finishing chances, which could result in them failing to score despite their home advantage and set-piece threat. Conversely, if Liverpool repeat the lack of sharpness seen in their New Year’s Day stalemate, the game could descend into a low-scoring battle that fails to see both sides find the net.
Correct score lean
Fulham 1 – 2 Liverpool
This scoreline perfectly reflects the statistical trends and tactical setups of both clubs. Liverpool’s scoring average of roughly 1.5 goals per game meets Fulham’s average home concession rate of 1.11, suggesting the visitors are likely to hit the two-goal mark. Fulham’s strong home scoring record (1.7 goals per game) and Liverpool’s specific vulnerability to set pieces make a single goal for the hosts a highly probable outcome. Given Fulham’s history of staying in matches and Liverpool’s recent habit of being level at half-time, a narrow one-goal margin of victory for the away side is the most logical conclusion.
Selected Bookmakers Offers
| |
New cust. Deposit £10+ in 7 days & bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on e-sports & non UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply. | |
| |
Open Account Offer - New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs , time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org | |
 | |
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
| |
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. | |
| |
New cust only. Opt-in required. Deposit & place a bet within 7 days and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater to be credited with 3 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 football. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply. Acca Club: Available to new & existing customers. 3 or more selections. Min Odds: 3/10 (1.3) per leg. Max stake: £500. Max Winnings: £200,000 per boost. Profit Boost amounts vary. Horse Racing, Greyhounds & Trotting excluded. Exclusions apply. Full T&C’s apply. 18+ GambleAware.org. | |
 | |
New members only. £10+ bet on sports (ex. Virtuals) 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days; £20 use on sportsbook, £10 on Bet Builder. Stake not returned. T&Cs.+ deposit exclusions apply #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
| |
New bettors. Select bonus at signup or use code SPORT. Wager deposit & bonus 8x. Max qualifying bet = bonus. Valid 60 days. Odds, bet & payment limits apply. T&Cs Apply; 18+ | Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
 | |
New customers only, 18+. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at 2.0+ to qualify for £25 in free bets and 10 Free Spins. Free Bets and Spins valid 7 days. £0.10 Free Spins. T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
| |
New members only. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals), placed & settled at 1.5 min odds in 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days, use on sportsbook only (ex. virtuals), stakes not returned. T&Cs Apply and deposit exclusions apply. Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
 | |
18+ New customers only. Opt in, and bet £10 on football markets (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, which expire after 7 days. Offer valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply | gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
