Alisson 'the best goalkeeper in the world', says Slot

Arne Slot paid tribute to the returning Alisson Becker, describing the Liverpool goalkeeper as the "best in the world" ahead of their clash with Fulham.

The Brazil international returned from injury in midweek, playing the full 90 minutes of the Reds' 1-0 win over Girona in the Champions League.

And Slot hopes he can build on the momentum of keeping a clean sheet, as Premier League leaders Liverpool prepare to return to domestic action after last weekend's Merseyside derby with Everton was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

"We have an incredible goalkeeper. I said as a joke, maybe the players wanted to see how fit he was to give him so much work [against Girona]," the Reds boss said.

"He showed [on Tuesday] he is probably one of the best, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the world.

"Let's hope he can continue to keep bringing these performances and hope he can stay fit."

Liverpool in 2024-25 Stepping it up a gear in the second half of matches. pic.twitter.com/wwul405yc5

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 10, 2024

Fulham are fresh from a credible 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend, with the Cottagers now having lost just one of their last seven league games.

"I'm more pleased with the way our players fought [against Arsenal], the commitment, the organisation," head coach Marco Silva said.

"It's always tough when we play against them, but they know it will be tough, too. We create a difficult scenario for them.

"It was a tough week. In eight days, we played Tottenham, Brighton and Arsenal. [The players have] been great. The momentum is here for us, we have to be proud of the season so far."

Silva also heaped praise on Antonee Robinson following his consistent performances at left-back.

"He's been great for us. He's one of the best left-backs in this league," he added.

"It's not just the way he is able to stop players, but the way he is able to help. He's a top player and a great professional. He's a proper athlete and is improving in some defensive positions where we want him to improve.

"He's improving season by season, and week by week. We are really proud to have him with us."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool – Mohamed Salah

Salah is level with Erling Haaland as the Premier League's joint-top scorer with 13 league goals. He is also second to Bukayo Saka in the assists table, having provided eight.

The Egyptian has scored at least one goal in each of his last seven Premier League appearances. He has scored 99 home goals in 140 top-flight appearances, and another goal will mean he is the fourth-fastest player to reach 100.

Fulham – Raul Jimenez

Jimenez is level with Alex Iwobi as Fulham's top scorer in the league so far with five goals.

The Mexican has scored 12 goals in his last 21 Premier League starts for Fulham. Of all players with 1,000+ minutes for the club, Jimenez has the best minutes-per-goal ratio (192 minutes per goal).

MATCH PREDICTION: LIVERPOOL WIN

Liverpool are four points clear at the top of the Premier League, having played a game less than second-placed Chelsea. They are unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions (won 16, drawn two).

Arne Slot's side have the second-best home record in the Premier League this season, having won six of their seven league games at Anfield (lost one).

They have beaten Fulham in nine of their last 12 league meetings, including in each of their last four showdowns.

Although Fulham drew 1-1 at home to Arsenal last time out, they have now won just one of their last four games in the Premier League.

While they are unbeaten in three away from home (won one, drawn two), Silva's side have managed just two wins from seven league outings on the road this term.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Liverpool – 68.6%

Draw – 17.5%

Fulham – 13.9%