BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Liverpool to cruise to a comfortable win over Fulham in their upcoming Premier League clash. The two sides are set to face each other at Anfield on Saturday, December 14.
The Reds will aim to return to winning ways in the Premier League after they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. They remain at the top of the table with 35 points from 14 games, four points above second-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Fulham defended brilliantly to hold Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in their last league fixture. They are in 10th position with 23 points, having won two out of their previous five games. Liverpool will be the heavy favorites to claim all three points, having won nine out of their last 12 league games against the Cottagers, drawing two, and losing one.
Sutton wrote (via BBC Sport):
“I am covering this game for BBC Radio 5 Live and it will be interesting to see what Fulham do. They were very well-organised defensively against Arsenal last time out, and were happy to sit in and try to carry a threat on the counter.”
“That probably did not work as effectively as they would have liked, other than when Raul Jimenez put them ahead, but I suspect they will go with a similar gameplan at Anfield. So, Adama Traore will start again, along with Alex Iwobi who had a good game against the Gunners, with Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic together in a more defensively minded midfield.”
He added:
“They didn’t keep Arsenal out, though, and I can’t see them stopping Liverpool either. Arne Slot’s side were quite flat in their midweek win over Girona. He was quite critical of their performance but I think a lot of teams are going through a period where they are so stretched by the Premier League and Champions League.”
“The first goal is going to be important here, but I expect Liverpool to get it and then go on to win comfortably.”
Sutton’s Prediction: 3-0
