Liverpool head into Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Fulham on the back of consecutive victories over Ipswich Town and Atlético Madrid. The 2-1 Champions League comeback at Anfield was secured by Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister after Marcos Llorente had given Atlético the lead.
Ronald Araújo was one of Liverpool’s standout performers. The Barcelona loanee started at right-back and produced an excellent backheel to create the opening for Szoboszlai’s equaliser, underlining his ability to contribute in possession as well as defend. He has featured in all four of Liverpool’s matches this season and can cover both central defence and the right flank.
Bradley Barcola endured a mixed full debut. The £123 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain repeatedly threatened Atlético with his pace but missed two clear opportunities against Jan Oblak. Tim Sherwood criticised his finishing, while head coach Andoni Iraola said the winger’s ability to arrive in dangerous positions was encouraging.
Barcola’s early withdrawal was caused by cramp rather than a serious injury, and he is expected to be available against Fulham. Cody Gakpo remains a doubt after missing the Atlético match with an adductor problem, while Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa are also unavailable.
Liverpool’s summer recruitment has significantly reshaped the squad. The club signed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Bradley Barcola, Victor Muñoz, Ronald Araújo and Jeremy Jacquet, while Alexander Isak also joined the attack. Araújo’s loan includes an option to buy, reported at approximately £47 million.
The Reds still have a positional concern at right-back, where Conor Bradley’s injury leaves Frimpong as the only natural senior option, although Araújo can provide cover. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid has increased the importance of that depth issue.
Liverpool have not confirmed that Cody Gakpo is joining Manchester City. The Dutch forward remains listed in the club’s Premier League squad, and current reporting identifies him as an injury doubt rather than a completed transfer.
Off the pitch, Jamie Carragher has criticised Liverpool’s planned ticket-price increases, while supporter group Spirit of Shankly has opposed the changes. The club has defended the rises as necessary to reflect inflation and increased operating costs, adding another point of tension during a summer of major sporting and financial change.
