vs
The high of travelling up to Newcastle in what was a surprisingly comfortable away win was swiftly followed by a low. Liverpool's inability to dismantle their city neighbours and closest league rival means they are now two games away from the season drawing to a close. Automatic European qualification is now impossible, so what's left to play for? How about a retiring legend. Winning the final two games with the scouse legend leading the way is a fitting way to end an illustrious career. First up, it's Fulham away.
Breaking down the history of the past 6 meetings at Craven Cottage have been far from forgetful for the reds: 3 wins, including some Suarez magic which we will not see on Sunday, and 3 losses in which the reds have picked up 3 red cards in two of those. For good measure Papa Bouba Diop picked up a 90th minute red in the other loss.
The early season meeting between the two sides was a fantastic display from the reds, which included a rare positive Martin Skrtel performance and one of many great performances from our captain this season. We won comfortably at Anfield 4-0 against a Fulham team that couldn't care less and just wanted to go back home to London.
The players to be wary of in this one will be Bryan Ruiz - off the back of scoring two last week in what was an awful loss to the league whipping boys, along with the ever dangerous Dimitar Berbatov - who is not on the best form, failing to score in his last 6 games. Too many lethargic performances from a player they are paying top money for, in my personal opinion, however he is to never be taken lightly. When he's up for it the opposition defenders are in for a tough game.
Fulham are currently in possibly their worst run of games this season (W0 D1 L5) and that lousy run was capped off by the loss to Reading. Such a disappointing loss could be the fuel Martin Jol and his team craves to put on a show for their final game of the season in front of their home support. We must be wary of a fighting Fulham and duly slaughter any hope of an upset with a key early goal.
Team news: Gerrard set to miss the rest of the season with shoulder surgery, which means Fabio Borini could make his first start since coming back from injury, alternatively Brendan Rodgers may opt to go with either Shelvey or Suso for some more midfield control. While Sterling and Kelly are set to sit out the remainder of the season in favour of a fresh pre-season this summer. For Fulham, former reds Riise and Kačaniklić look set to play against their old club.
Whatever teamsheet you write down it doesn't look strong for the reds. However, with a fantastic performance Monday night from some of the U21 reds I'd like to see Andre Wisdom back in the starting line-up to replace Glen Johnson. The main area to focus on obviously now is who will replace Gerrard. I'd like it to be Suso. He also had a nice game in a 10 vs 11 man situation in Manchester and hasn't featured too much since Coutinho arrived, which is a shame as they could link up well.
My preferred line-up:
Reina
Wisdom Carragher Agger Enrique
Lucas Henderson
Downing Suso Coutinho
Sturridge
Referee: Mark Halsey (Callum McManaman's lover)