Fulham v Liverpool preview

03 April 2009 10:38
Title-chasers Liverpool head to Craven Cottage with the aim of leapfrogging leaders Manchester United into the Premier League top spot. The Reds have gathered a best-ever Premiership return of 64 points so far this season as they look to seal their 19th title and end a 19-year wait for league glory. A draw or a win against Fulham on Saturday would ensure that the Reds would be league leaders at least until the conclusion of United's game with Aston Villa the following day. But on the back of 4-1 and 5-0 victories over United and Villa respectively, Rafa Benitez's men will undoubtedly be looking for nothing less than a win to keep up the pressure on their North-West rivals. Standing in their way though are Fulham, who recorded their own memorable 2-0 victory over United just a fortnight ago. The Cottagers have accumulated an extra 17 points compared to the corresponding stage last season and will be confident that they can attack their opponents with the same all-action style that led them to victory over the reigning champions. Roy Hodgson will have a fully-fit squad to choose from as he sets about plotting another 'Big Four' casualty. Subsequently, ever-present midfielder Danny Murphy should once again start in the centre of the field to face his former employers. Murphy spent seven years at Anfield, representing the club almost 200 times, but all former ties will be put aside when the Cottagers captain takes to the pitch on Saturday. Meanwhile, Liverpool have only minor worries ahead of the game after escaping fairly lightly from a draining international schedule last weekend. Yossi Benayoun came back from injury to represent Israel in their World Cup qualifiers, while Finnish defender Sami Hyypia suffered a small tweak in his knee that should clear in time for the trip to the capital. Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is expected to start despite his country's exhausting and morale-sapping 6-1 defeat to Bolivia in the thin air of La Paz - nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. The hard-tackling midfielder only arrived back in England on Friday, but should be thrown straight back into action to nullify the threat of the Fulham attack. Otherwise, Rafa Benitez is likely to field the same side that put five goals past Aston Villa in their last Premier League fixture. Possible starting XIs: Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies, Johnson, Zamora. Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt, Riera, Torres.

Source: SKY_Sports