Kick-off delayed at Fulham, Ekitike out for Liverpool LIVE!
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Fulham vs Liverpool: Kick-off Delayed at Craven Cottage, Ekitike Out for Liverpool – LIVE!
London, January 4, 2026 – The Premier League clash between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage faced an unexpected hiccup as kick-off was delayed, with Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike ruled out through injury. The match, scheduled for 3:00 PM UTC, is part of Round 20, pitting 12th-placed Fulham (8-3-8, 27 points) against 4th-placed Liverpool (10-3-6, 33 points).[1][2][4]
Fulham manager Marco Silva confirmed Ryan Sessegnon is also sidelined with a hamstring issue, joining Ekitike on the absentee list. Ekitike, Liverpool's top scorer with 8 goals and 3 assists, misses a crucial game as Arne Slot's side aims to climb closer to the top three.[1][2] Fulham's attack will lean on Harry Wilson (5 goals, 4 assists) and Raul Jiménez up front.[1][5]
Predicted Lineups and Key Battles
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Cairney, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jiménez.
Liverpool features Alisson in goal after his clean sheet in a recent 0-0 draw vs Leeds. Watch for Harvey Elliott's creativity against Fulham's solid defense, including Joachim Andersen.[1][5]
| Team | Position | Form (Recent) |
|---|---|---|
| Fulham | 12th (27 pts) | D-W-W-L-W |
| Liverpool | 4th (33 pts) | D-W-W-W-W |
Odds favor over 2.5 goals at -125, reflecting both teams' scoring form—Fulham with 26 GF, Liverpool potent on the road. Referee Craig Pawson oversees proceedings amid transfer buzz linking Liverpool to Watford's Othmane Maamma.[2][5][7]
As tensions build, Fulham seek a home upset, while Liverpool demand three points to pressure leaders Arsenal and Man City. Live updates promised post-delay.[3][6]
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