Liverpool confirmed XI vs. Fulham: Gakpo starts with Ekitike OUT

Liverpool FC have announced their starting lineup for the Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026, with Cody Gakpo leading the attack in place of the absent Hugo Ekitike[3][2]. Manager Arne Slot makes a key change up front as Ekitike is ruled out, likely due to injury or rotation, thrusting Gakpo into the central striker role[3].

Liverpool's Confirmed XI

The Reds line up in their trusted 4-3-3 formation, aiming to extend their strong run in the league where they sit with a 10-3-6 record and 33 points[1]. The full team sheet features:

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
• Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones
• Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz

Supporting Gakpo are wing threats Salah and Wirtz, with Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Jones providing midfield control. Early match action saw Gakpo and Wirtz involved in chances, including a blocked shot from Gakpo assisted by Jones and a corner conceded by Fulham's Joachim Andersen[1].

Fulham's Lineup and Context

Fulham, holding an 8-3-8 record and 27 points, deploy a 4-2-3-1 with Bernd Leno in goal, defended by Cuenca, Andersen, Diop, and Robinson. Midfield includes Cairney, Lukic, and Castagne, with Smith Rowe, Wilson, and Jiménez up top[1]. Substitutes like Harrison Reed and Adama Traoré offer bench options.

Kickoff brought immediate pressure from Liverpool, with a blocked Wirtz effort at the 6-minute mark signaling intent. This matchup tests Liverpool's title aspirations against a resilient Fulham side at home[1][4]. Slot's decision to start Gakpo highlights his versatility amid Ekitike's absence, as pre-match predictions had anticipated the French forward's involvement[2]. Fans anticipate a tight contest in this London derby.

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