Liverpool Aim for Complete Performance Against Fulham at Anfield
Liverpool finally have a win on the board. What they still don’t have is a full, convincing 90 minutes.
Andoni Iraola’s side eased past newly promoted Ipswich Town last weekend, yet the manner of the victory left a few questions hanging in the Merseyside air. On Saturday, against a wounded but dangerous Fulham, those answers will be demanded rather than requested.
Isak sparks, but Liverpool still searching
At Portman Road, Liverpool barely needed to get out of second gear. Alexander Isak killed the contest almost before it began, striking twice inside the opening 10 minutes and silencing the home crowd. From there, the Reds simply managed the game, coasted even, without ever truly imposing themselves on the Tractor Boys.
After back-to-back 2-2 draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to open the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, the sight of Isak scoring early and often brought obvious relief. The tension around Liverpool’s attack loosened. The scoreline soothed a few nerves.
The performance did not.
Iraola has spoken of intensity, of control, of a side that dictates games from first whistle to last. Liverpool have shown flashes of that ideal, spells of dominance and sharp attacking combinations, but not yet the relentless, complete display their manager craves. Anfield will expect that to change.
Fulham lively but pointless
Fulham arrive without a single point, yet hardly lifeless. Alvaro Arbeloa’s team have scored multiple goals in two of their three league games, an attacking return that tells a different story from the table.
They were outclassed by Chelsea and Sunderland in weeks one and two, beaten soundly and exposed in key moments. Then came Crystal Palace. Fulham lost 3-2, but could justifiably feel aggrieved. They created, they fought, they stayed in the game. On another day, they walk away with something.
That blend makes them awkward visitors: fragile at the back, but capable of landing punches if Liverpool drift into the kind of passive spells that have already cost them four points this season.
Team news: key absences on both sides
Liverpool’s squad is already carrying scars. Hugo Ekitike (achilles), Conor Bradley (torn ACL), Federico Chiesa (back), Joe Gomez (undisclosed) and Giovanni Lenoi (torn ACL) are all ruled out. Iraola’s options, especially in rotation and late-game adjustments, are thinner than he would like at this stage of the season.
Fulham’s list is shorter but still significant. Tom Cairney misses out with a knee issue, robbing Arbeloa of experience and composure in midfield.
How to watch
Kick-off at Anfield is set for 10 am ET on Saturday, September 12. The match will be shown live on Peacock, with streaming also available on the same platform.
Prediction: statement win or lingering doubt?
Liverpool have the firepower. Isak is already in stride, Anfield will be loud, and Fulham’s defensive record offers encouragement for a home side seeking rhythm and ruthlessness.
But this is not just about three points. It is about a standard.
If Liverpool can finally stretch their best football across the full 90 minutes, Fulham may find themselves overwhelmed. If the old drift returns, if control slips and focus fades, Arbeloa’s side have shown enough attacking threat to turn an uncomfortable afternoon into a serious early-season warning.
Liverpool should win. The real question is whether they convince.
