Fulham predicted XI vs Liverpool as Marco Silva makes key change

Marco Silva is expected to make a key defensive change as Fulham prepare to welcome Premier League champions Liverpool to Craven Cottage on Sunday, with the Cottagers aiming to extend their impressive recent run.

Fulham enter the New Year in confident mood, unbeaten in four league matches and level with fellow London sides Brentford and Crystal Palace in mid-table. After hovering near the bottom in early November, Silva has steadied the ship and found consistency at just the right time.

Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive in west London having recovered from a difficult autumn spell. A seven-match unbeaten league run has lifted them back into fourth, although Thursday’s flat 0-0 draw with Leeds United at Anfield offered encouragement to their upcoming opponents.

The meeting with Liverpool represents a significant benchmark for Fulham, who have responded impressively to adversity during the festive period.

Despite losing several key players to the Africa Cup of Nations, Fulham have recorded eye-catching wins over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United, underlining the strength of Silva’s system and squad buy-in.

Thursday night’s 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace further reinforced their resilience, and the Reds’ inability to break down Leeds at Anfield will only increase belief at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have largely stuck with a settled back line in recent weeks, but one enforced change looks likely this weekend.

Kenny Tete is a major doubt after limping off with a hamstring issue against Palace, opening the door for Timothy Castagne at right-back. Antonee Robinson should continue on the left.

In central defence, Jorge Cuenca is expected to retain his place alongside Joachim Andersen. Cuenca has stepped up admirably in the absence of Calvin Bassey, with the pairing conceding just once in their last three starts together.

Bernd Leno will continue in goal.

AFCON absences for Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Bassey mean Silva is likely to stick with Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge as the midfield base.

Fulham’s squad depth has also been tested by injuries to Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon, but performances have remained strong.

Emile Smith Rowe has earned a run in the side and is expected to start again, supported by the in-form Harry Wilson. The former Liverpool academy product is enjoying arguably the best spell of his career and will be keen to make an impact against his old club.

Raúl Jiménez should lead the line once more after scoring decisive goals against Forest and West Ham, continuing his impressive form at the age of 34.

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez.

Fulham will look to harness the energy of the Craven Cottage crowd as they test themselves against the champions in their first home league game of 2026. A positive result would further underline Silva’s progress and reinforce Fulham’s growing confidence in mid-table.

Can Fulham’s organisation and form trouble Liverpool — or will the champions reassert their authority in west London?