Liverpool are taking on Fulham in the first-leg of the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.
Since being promoted back to England’s top flight in 2022, Marco Silva’s side have been competitive.
In recent times, they have had a rollercoaster few years in regards to their form and position in the table.
They even changed leagues for five consecutive seasons between the 2017/18 – 2021/22 season.
However, after their most recent promotion, they seemed to have cemented themselves as a mid-table Premier League side.
Most predicted the Cottagers to go down once again but thanks to the likes of Andreas Pereira and Alexander Mitrovic last season, they managed to finish in 10th place.
This exceeded the majority of fans’ expectations and showed that Silva meant business.
However, the 2023/24 campaign as been slightly indifferent to the joys of last season.
Fulham lost their star man, Mitrovic to Saudi side, Al-Hilal for a fee in the region of £50million.
This meant that the rest of the team had to step up and fill the gap that the Serbia international left.
There are a number of players within the Cottagers’ team who have tried to extend Fulham’s stay in England’s top flight.
So, with that in mind, here are three of those players that Liverpool need to be wary of ahead of their Carabao Cup clash.
Willian
Willian made a surprise return to London back in 2022 when he signed for Fulham following a short stint in his home country.
Since his return, however, he has been one of the standout players for the London-based club.
This season alone, the Brazilian has contributed to six goals in just 16 games.
Although these numbers don’t seem overly amazing, for a player aged 35-years-old, the numbers are in the higher echelons.
His goal-scoring prowess has found him second in Fulham’s top scorers chart, only behind starting striker, Raul Jimenez.
Whether off the bench or starting the games, the Brazil internationals quality is something the Reds need to watch out for.
Especially since Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of the matchup following an injury he sustained during the Arsenal game.
This means that Liverpool will be without their starting right-back and could have to rely on Connor Bradley or an out of position Joe Gomez to mark the 35-year-old.
Whoever Jurgen Klopp decides to play in the full-back position will have to be prepared for a battle.
Willian could be key to Fulham’s chances and could be one of the main providers during the game.
Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson has arguably been Fulham’s best player this season.
The USA international has been in stellar form this season, he has played 19 times and garnered 3 assists.
According to the One Versus One database, the left-back has the third-most offensive actions from the left-wing in the entirety of the Premier League.
Following the injuries to both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, many fans were calling for the Reds to sign a left-back in January.
Amongst the many mentioned, Robinson’s name was the one which seemed to crop up the most out of everyone.
With reports even suggesting that Liverpool had reached out to Fulham for a January move.
However, it seems as if nothing has come to fruition in regards to the deal as there have been no further reports of Liverpool being interested in the defender.
The Reds need to watch out for Robinson during their clash with Fulham as without Alexander-Arnold in the line-up, the right side of defence may be a little weak.
And, a player with the attacking output of Robinson will likely be looking to capitalise on this and help Fulham to a historic win.
Raul Jimenez
Raul Jimenez has been a surprise package for Fulham this season.
Following the departure of Mitrovic, the Cottagers needed to fill the void left by the Serbia international.
Fortunately for the London-based club, their £5million gamble has seemingly paid off and the 32-year-old is back to his scoring ways.
The striker has contributed to seven goals in just seven games.
Five of those contributions have been Jimenez finding the back of the net himself which has helped the Cottagers get to the semi-final.
On current form, he is Fulham’s biggest goal threat and will likely be pivotal to their attacks.
Liverpool will need to ensure their starting centre-backs are on top form and the 32-year-old is a very physical attacker.
His aerial dominance could prove to be real threat, especially if club captain, Virgil Van Dijk, isn’t ready to start.