Fulham vs Liverpool LIVE - Kick-off Delayed, Hugo Ekitike OUT of Squad, Starting XI, Score

Craven Cottage, January 4, 2026 - Liverpool's Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage faced a dramatic start as kick-off was delayed, with the match scheduled for 15:00 UTC now pushed back amid ongoing updates.[1][2]

Fulham, sitting 12th in the table with 27 points from 19 games (8 wins, 3 draws, 8 losses), welcome a Liverpool side in 4th place with 33 points (10 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses). The Cottagers have netted 26 goals while conceding 25, boasting 6 clean sheets.[2][3] Liverpool aim to climb higher after recent form including a 0-0 draw vs Leeds and wins over Wolves (2-1), Tottenham (2-1), and Brighton (2-0).[2]

Key team news: Fulham striker Hugo Ekitike is OUT through injury, dealing a blow to their attack where he leads with 8 goals and 3 assists. Ryan Sessegnon is also absent with a hamstring issue.[2][3] Predicted Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jiménez. Harry Wilson tops Fulham scorers with 5 goals and 4 assists.[1][2]

Liverpool, led by Alisson who recently kept a clean sheet vs Leeds, enter as favorites (-0.5 spread). Betting odds favor over 2.5 goals at -125.[2][3] Head-to-head favors Liverpool, including a 3-1 win at Fulham in April 2024.[3]

Live coverage promises real-time stats like possession, xG, and key moments via Opta. Fulham's recent results: draws vs Crystal Palace (1-1), wins over Nottingham Forest (1-0) and Burnley (3-2).[2] Fans anticipate a tense London derby as both sides eye points in Round 20.[1][5]

Stay tuned for live score, lineups, and highlights as the action unfolds post-delay.[1][3]