Ahead of the game: Fulham

Liverpool will travel south to Craven Cottage on Sunday without the services of three key players; Luis Suarez (ban), Steven Gerrard (shoulder injury) and Daniel Agger (back injury).

Rather than dwelling on the possible negative impact of their absences, I’d prefer to highlight the benefits.

As I mentioned in a previous post, one player’s misfortune is another’s gain. The red’s missing stars will have unlocked a door of opportunity to other members of the squad. Having already speculated on who will come into the side in place of Steven Gerrard, I won’t duplicate my opinions on this. Elsewhere, Daniel Agger’s deputy looks a more straightforward decision as the previously dropped Martin Skrtel looks set to return.

Despite little riding on the result, Brendan Rodgers will be keen to maintain his side’s recent meagre defensive displays - Liverpool have conceded just two goals in their last five league games and kept 15 clean sheets in the league this season, only second behind Manchester City (17).

Liverpool memorably scored five at Craven Cottage in 2011 – can they repeat that?

View from the other side:

·    Fulham fan @FFCFulham says “we will win by 5 goals ;) , no can get something out of the game and need something so premiership status is secured”

One to watch: Dimitar Berbatov – due a goal.

Fulham’s last six: LLLLDL

Liverpool’s last six: DWDDDW

My prediction: Fulham 1-2 Liverpool

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