Liverpool Predicted Line-up vs Fulham as Arne Slot Faces Florian Wirtz Dilemma

Liverpool head to Craven Cottage on Sunday, January 4, 2026, to face Fulham in the Premier League, with manager Arne Slot grappling over how to deploy Florian Wirtz amid injury concerns and a packed schedule. The Reds aim to rebound from a sluggish start to the year, but Fulham's in-form players pose a threat.

Fulham Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)

Fulham, under pressure at home, are boosted by Harry Wilson's hot streak—four goals and four assists in his last seven home games, surpassing his prior 20 outings. Top scorer with four goals, Wilson leads alongside Raul Jimenez (three goals). Goalkeeper Bernd Leno has secured four clean sheets.

• GK: Bernd Leno
• DEF: Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson
• MID: Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge
• ATT: Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Kevin, Raul Jimenez

Injuries sideline Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Josh King, Kenny Tete, Ryan Sessegnon, and Rodrigo Muniz, weakening their Nigerian contingent and depth.[1][2][3]

Liverpool Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)

Slot faces a Wirtz dilemma: the star playmaker is available despite a minor hamstring issue but may be rested ahead of midweek Arsenal clash. Long-term absentees include Alexander Isak (ankle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Wataru Endo (ankle), and Mohamed Salah (AFCON duty). Joe Gomez could return, prompting rotation with Milos Kerkez and Cody Gakpo pushing for starts, alongside Alexis Mac Allister.

• GK: Alisson Becker
• DEF: Conor Bradley (or Jeremie Frimpong), Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
• MID: Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones (or Alexis Mac Allister)
• ATT: Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister (or others), Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike

Rotation looms with Arsenal looming, balancing Wirtz's fitness and squad depth.[1][2][3]

The preview highlights Fulham's home resilience against Liverpool's quality, predicting a tight contest where Wilson's form tests Slot's decisions.[4]