LIVERPOOL are still fighting on all fronts this season and can take a big step towards their first trophy when they take on Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Last season was a massive disappointment for the Anfield giants as they finished outside the top four in the Premier League and failed to get their hands on any major silverware.
But Jurgen Klopp's revamped side could hardly be in better shape at the start of 2024 as they sit top of the league, in the last 16 of the Europa League and on course for two trips to Wembley.
Liverpool's weekend FA Cup clash at Arsenal was a hard one to call and Slips Tips went for some stats bets instead of plumping for a winner. The Gunners were slight favourites with home advantage but Klopp's side survived a first-half onslaught and claimed a 2-0 win with a couple of late strikes.
Fulham also marched into the fourth round by beating Rotherham and their 1-0 victory helped to bring up a full house of Friday night tips for me.
Having two days more to prepare for this semi-final could help Marco Silva's side at Anfield, especially with Liverpool having to exert so much energy in their thrilling tie at the Emirates.
It took the Cottagers a while to get going this season but they've been looking slick in recent weeks and showed they can match the big guns by beating Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier League.
Silva's side sit nine points clear of the Premier League drop zone in 13th place so they can probably afford to prioritise reaching Wembley in the next couple of weeks and that makes them dangerous opponents for Liverpool.
How the bookies view it
Liverpool are red-hot favourites to reach the final at a best 2/9 with Bet365 while Fulham are 4/1 outsiders at SkyBet. For a first-leg victory the Reds are 4/11 at Coral, with Silva's side 15/2 with Paddy Power and the draw paying 19/4 at Bet365.
Recent head to head
Armchair fans will be hoping for a repeat of Fulham's trip to Anfield in the Premier League earlier this season, which ended in a 4-3 win for Liverpool. Fulham deserved a point that day and their recent record at Anfield is decent, with two wins in their last seven visits.
Players to watch
Harvey Elliot filled Mo Salah boots on the right wing at the Emirates and should continue in that role with the Egyptian away at the Africa Cup of Nations. The youngster is 7/2 at Bet365 for a goal but an assist is more likely once that market is priced up.
Raul Jimenez is now back to his best up front for Fulham after injury ruined his last couple of seasons at Wolves. The Mexican has four goals from his last four outings and looks overpriced at 4/1 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Liverpool kept a clean sheet on Sunday but it was more down to terrible Arsenal finishing than heroic defending. Klopp's side always give the opposition chances, particularly on the break, so that's why BTTS is odds-on at a best 11/14 with VBet. Combining that with over 2.5 goals takes you to 11/10 at BoyleSports.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winner when these sides last met and has been a goal threat in recent weeks. Klopp might play him in midfield for this one and the Liverpool skipper is 5/4 at Unibet just to have a shot on target.
Joao Palhinha continues to fly into tackles in midfield and will be key for Fulham as they bid to overpower Klopp's side. He's 11/5 with Bet365 for a card which looks good value given the Portuguese has already picked up 10 yellows this term.
This EFL Cup match between Liverpool and Fulham will be played on Jan 10, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Liverpool vs Fulham prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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