Fulham vs Liverpool prediction: ENGLAND: EFL Cup betting tips on match 2024-01-23 20:00.
Fulham showed no signs of stage fright in the first leg of their maiden EFL Cup semi-final setting, getting off to a perfect start by opening the scoring against Liverpool at Anfield before eventually going down 2-1. That may have been Fulham’s tenth winless venture against Liverpool in this tournament (D2, L8), but it’s mission accomplished in terms of still being in the tie upon the return for the second leg at Craven Cottage.
The ability to dream of a first EFL Cup final appearance would have been exactly what the Fulham faithful would have wanted, and you wouldn’t call them crazy considering their troops have won five of their last six home matches (L1). Marco Silva’s men registered back-to-back 5-0 wins in that run, as well as a memorable 2-1 victory over London rivals Arsenal, making their one-goal deficit a realistic mountain to climb.
The only caveat to their confidence is they’re taking on Liverpool, who’ll be hunting a record-extending tenth tournament title by making use of their first-leg lead. Their victory over their hosts forms part of what is now a five-game winning streak in all competitions, after a triumphant 4-0 rout of Bournemouth at the weekend.
A win isn’t even necessary for Jürgen Klopp’s Reds to progress here, meaning their stubbornness of losing just once in their last 37 domestic games (W26, D10) should be enough to see them through. Their recent form on their travels indicates they could go for the kill though, since their last three away games have all produced victories with an accompanying clean sheet.
Players to watch: Willian scored his fourth career goal against Liverpool in the first leg, and will be on the hunt for his fifth since each of his seven goals prior all came at Craven Cottage. The Brazilian’s opener proved fruitless thanks in part to Darwin Núñez’s two assists in that game, and after silencing his critics with a brace against Bournemouth, has now racked up six direct goal contributions in his last five games (G3, A3).
Hot stat: Liverpool have drawn after 90 minutes just once in their last 31 EFL Cup matches away from home (W21, L9).