Source: Eurosport
Hodgson hoping to claim Reds scalp
Roy Hodgson is eager for Fulham's achievements to be celebrated as the scourge of the Premier League top four target another prize scalp.
The Cottagers blew the title race wide open with a stunning 2-0 victory over leaders Manchester United a fortnight ago, catapulting Liverpool back into the reckoning.
Only a single point now separates United from the Reds, their closest rivals who triumphed 4-1 at Old Trafford last month.
But having accumulated seven points from three home games against United, Arsenal and Chelsea so far, Hodgson hopes to throw another spanner in the works when Fulham host Rafael Benitez's side on Saturday.
"One is tempted to say players aren't more motivated against the big teams because every match in the Premiership is of such vital importance," he said.
"But when the eyes of the world are upon you these games add further inspiration. Inspiration is a better word than motivation.
"After our good results over the last few weeks and bearing in mind we've seen what Liverpool have achieved, we've been inspired to look forward to the game.
"We want to make sure that when the final whistle blows people are saying Liverpool are a very good team but Fulham can play too."
United and Arsenal have both left Craven Cottage with their heads bowed this season while Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw, but Hodgson is cautious over casting Fulham as giant-killers.
"There's an element of hazard when looking at results. We've taken nothing against Hull. On both occasions we felt robbed," he said.
"On the other hand we have four points against Arsenal this season but that could easily have been zero.
"We've been pretty consistent throughout the 30 games we've played and given ourselves a chance of getting something in each match.
"But the feeling you get when you take points from the top four is the best.
"It's a lot to ask for us to get back-to-back wins against top-four sides because we've had important players playing internationals on Saturday and Wednesday.
"I can only hope that the memories of the last game and the good feeling we got from it will motivate the players to go out and reproduce that performance."
Liverpool have won their last four matches in a run that included an astonishing 4-0 triumph over Real Madrid, but United have a game in hand.
"We're facing the really in-form team if you go on results," said Hodgson.
"Heavy wins against Real Madrid, Man United and Aston Villa must have left confidence enormously high. We're meeting them at the apex of a very good run.
"But I think I speak for the chasing teams Liverpool and Chelsea by saying it would be nicer to be in Man United's position, a point up with a home match as their game in hand."
