Fulham host Liverpool on Wednesday evening, despite worries that strikes could have seen the game called off. Both teams meet after impressive games, Fulham held out Manchester United to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford while Liverpool put five past then league leaders Arsenal at home.
Fulham’s recent draw was much needed for René Meulensteen’s side, although they remain at the bottom of the Premier League. Liverpool on the other hand are now beginning to dream of a finish better than 4th place as they are now within six points of the Premier league summit with both Chelsea and Manchester City having to visit Anfield.
Liverpool will still be without the defensive quartet of Sakho, Enrique, Agger and Johnson although the latter two are in contention to return for the FA Cup tie with Arsenal this weekend. Lucas Leiva will also be missing and should be out for another month at the very least. Liverpool are expected to play the same side which beat Arsenal.
Fulham will be without new signing Kostas Mitroglou and centre back Fernando Amorbieta. Meulensteen is expected to make some changes to the side which drew to Manchester United with youngster Tuncliffe one of the few expected to make way.
Until Tuesday midday there was a cloud of confusion hanging over this fixture as transport strikes within London saw Fulham issue a warning on Monday that if they could not get enough stewards to work at the game they would have to postpone on the basis of safety concerns. Nevertheless as the strike was called off and the game will go ahead as planned. Liverpool owner John W Henry had criticised any possible postponement: ‘‘Arsenal, West Ham and Leyton Orient all ready for the strike but not Fulham?’’
The game kicks off at Craven Cottage at 8pm and is not live on television in the UK.
