Liverpool return to Premier League action fresh from a first Champions League win of the Andoni Iraola era - although another one in which they had to come from behind.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scored to seal a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night, with the Argentine doing his talking on the pitch with a superb winner after revealing his sadness at not yet yet being offered a new contract.
The Reds have now come from behind in three of their four games in all competitions this season and will be hoping for a more serene performance against struggling Fulham, who sit 19th and pointless after three games played.
It has been a turbulent start to Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure, with the former Liverpool defender returning to Anfield. The Cottagers have been entertaining to watch going forward but leaky at the back, conceding seven goals in only three top-flight games so far.
Follow latest updates from Anfield below:
Read MoreLiverpool have stumbled across a solution to one of Andoni Iraola’s big problems
Alvaro Arbeloa denies Fulham rift after cryptic social media behaviour
Champions League power rankings: All 36 teams ranked after matchday one
Liverpool v Fulham live updates
- Liverpool host Fulham in Premier League | Kick-off 3pm at Anfield
- Andoni Iraola aiming to build on back-to-back wins but seeking improvements
- Fulham still without a point under former Reds defender Alvaro Arbeloa
- TEAM NEWS: Bradley Barcola deemed fit to start for Liverpool but Cody Gakpo starts on bench
- Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Barcola, Wirtz, Munoz; Isak
- Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles, King; Bobb, Gonzalo, Iwobi
A clash of ex-teammates (and ex-rivals)
14:49 , Will CastleThe Premier League experienced something of an influx of mid-to-late 2000s Spanish internationals during the summer, who now join Andoni Iraola in the English top-flight.
One of those was Xabi Alonso, the legendary former Reds midfielder who also starred at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The other was Alvaro Arbeloa - another ex-Liverpool man, who also turned out for Los Blancos.
Both right-backs, Iraola and Arbeloa found themselves competing for minutes in the Spain setup - a battle that Arbeloa emerged the better from, with his 56 caps far superior to Iraola’s seven.
The Liverpool boss isn’t ashamed to admit he was second best in that regard: “I think we played maybe very few times together in the national team. We were fighting more or less for the same position, but I think he was more successful in that he played more games than me!”
Time to turn the tables?
Liverpool unveil memorial to Matt Beard ahead of first anniversary of death
14:42 , Will CastleLiverpool unveiled a touching memorial to former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard yesterday, ahead of the first anniversary of his tragic passing.
Beard won two WSL titles with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 before guiding the club back to the top-flight in 2022 during a second stint.
An inquest found that Beard took his own life, less than a month after his departure from Burnley.
“Loved and missed by all at Liverpool Football Club. YNWA.”
Liverpool Football Club has honoured Matt Beard, unveiling permanent memorials which recognise his extraordinary contribution to the club and the lasting impact he made on players, staff and supporters ❤️
— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) September 11, 2026
Ahead of the first anniversary of his passing, a private ceremony was held… pic.twitter.com/8ZlpAS19I1
Cody Gakpo appreciation post
14:35 , Will CastleNo player received more stick from Liverpool’s own fans last season than Cody Gakpo.
The criticism of the Dutchman’s supposed ineffectiveness under Arne Slot was relentless, and he wouldn’t have been blamed for seeking pastures new in the summer.
A move away very nearly came to fruition to rivals Manchester City no less, but Liverpool rebuffed the £80m approach as it came too late for the Reds to find a replacement.
Gakpo was open to the switch but unlike some, he did not go hugely public with any desire to leave and its collapse has not led to a strop. Instead, he’s emerged as Liverpool’s most in-form player at the start of this campaign.
He has assisted all three of Alexander Isak’s goals in the Premier League, including both in the 2-1 win at Ipswich last Friday, and scored in the opening weekend draw at Newcastle.
We’re a fan of this redemption arc.
Reed it and weep
14:28 , Will CastleLast term’s Premier League goal of the season came in a clash between these two sides, with Harrison Reed claiming the award for his stoppage-time piledriver at Craven Cottage which salvaged Fulham a 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
One to relive, unless you’re a Reds fan.
90+7. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/LJWPQPuTXC
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 4, 2026
Champions League power rankings: Where do Liverpool rank after matchday one?
14:21 , Jamie BraidwoodLiverpool and Andoni Iraola got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start in midweek after coming from behind to beat Atletico Madrid.
It was a solid performance from the Reds that seemed to give the Iraola era liftoff - but how do they rank compared to the rest after matchday one?
Champions League power rankings: All 36 teams ranked after matchday one
Big day of Premier League action
14:14 , Will CastleWe’ve got a hefty seven Premier League games to sink our teeth into today - here are the other six:
- Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest (3pm)
- Bournemouth v Brentford (3pm)
- Chelsea v Hull (3pm)
- Crystal Palace v Ipswich (3pm)
- Tottenham v Everton (5:30pm)
- Sunderland v Arsenal (8pm)
Liverpool have stumbled across a solution to one of Andoni Iraola’s big problems
14:07 , Richard JollyAs Liverpool adjust to life without Mohamed Salah, they looked to a summer signing on the right flank to provide flair and goals. And so one did. Not Bradley Barcola, though Andoni Iraola was encouraged the £123m arrival got into the positions to miss chances on his first start.
But Ronald Araujo, whose backheel set up Dominik Szoboszlai’s equaliser against Atletico Madrid. “You have to ask him if he meant it,” said the Hungarian of the improvised assist. “It’s the beauty of football, isn’t it?” smiled Virgil van Dijk. “He did very well there and I think that is an understatement: he did amazing before the goal.” All the more so because he, by trade and training, is less likely to appear in the opposition’s penalty box in open play. “Ronald is playing right-back, which is not his position,” added Szoboszlai.
Liverpool have stumbled across a solution to one of Andoni Iraola’s big problems
Fulham arrive at Anfield
14:03 , Will Castle
A rift at Fulham?
14:00 , Will CastleThings aren’t all sunshine and roses over at Craven Cottage at the moment.
Pointless after three games, there have been reports of unrest at Fulham under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, stoked by first-team stars Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe removing all club content from their social media. Kevin, meanwhile, took to Instagram after being an unused substitute against Crystal Palace last weekend, posting a story with the caption “no speak, no hear, no see”.
Arbeloa, who was last in charge of Real Madrid, took the opportunity to bring three players from the Spanish giants’ academy with him to west London, with Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios and Manuel Angel all arriving.
But despite speculation of a rift, Arbeloa says the mood around Fulham is “positive” as they look to turn results around.
“You can learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and I saw them work during the week with a very positive attitude, all of them,” he said.
“For sure when you are a player and you are not playing, you can’t be happy. It is what I expect from the players that are not playing. I want that they should need to show me that they are not happy during the training session. For me, this is the most important thing.
“Obviously, when you are not winning games and you are not helping your team, I think you have more desire to play games and to help their team-mates. But all of them, they have been working so hard and I have a very, very good group with a very good attitude.”
Alvaro Arbeloa denies Fulham rift after cryptic social media behaviour
Confirmed Fulham line-up
13:48 , Will CastleDavid Affengruber is handed his Fulham debut by Alvaro Arbeloa in defence following last weekend’s home loss to Crystal Palace, as Joachim Andersen is dropped to the bench.
Sander Berge is back in the starting XI while Cesar Palacios, a goalscorer against Palace, is on the bench. Alex Iwobi looks to have moved into left midfield from a more holding role.
Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charle; Bobb, King, Iwobi; Gonzalo.
Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Andersen, Larsson, Manuel Angel, Smith Rowe, Palacios, Kevin, Muniz.
Álvaro Arbeloa's Fulham. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/pbjotikcvs
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 12, 2026
Confirmed Liverpool line-up
13:47 , Will CastleBradley Barcola is deemed fit to start while Cody Gakpo can only make the bench after experiencing an adductor issue against Ipswich last week. Victor Munoz comes in on the left.
Ronald Araujo keeps his place at right-back while Kostas Tsimikas comes in for Milos Kerkez on the left side of defence after the Hungarian, like Barcola, came off against Atletico Madrid with cramp.
Alexis Mac Allister, the match-winner in midweek, is also dropped to the bench, with Rio Ngumoha also losing his starting place.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Barcola, Wirtz, Munoz; Isak.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Frimpong, Nyoni, Koumas, Ngumoha.
The Reds to take on Fulham 🔴 #LIVFUL pic.twitter.com/PpuyPkkNxU
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 12, 2026
Team news coming up with Barcola and Gakpo facing late fitness calls
13:40 , Will CastleWe’ll be bringing you confirmed team news in about five minutes’ time, and Liverpool fans will no doubt be refreshing their feeds intensely to see whether two players in particular are included.
Cody Gakpo, who was close to leaving Liverpool in the summer but has started the season in excellent form, is a doubt coming into the weekend after missing Wednesday’s Champions League win over Atletico due to “adductor issues”. He complained about discomfort on both sides following the win at Ipswich last Friday.
The Dutchman’s absence meant Barcola made his first start for Liverpool since his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain and the winger impressed with a bright showing before he was removed late in the match, sparking fears of a setback early into his Liverpool tenure.
However, Andoni Iraola allayed worries of a serious problem and said that the Frenchman only suffered cramps, with Liverpool assessing both players after training yesterday.
Iraola said: “Barcola was just cramps. We have to evaluate how he is today, but there is no injury. I think he should be available if everything goes normal.
"Cody we will see. We will try today and see if he is ready for tomorrow or if we need to wait until the next one."
Fulham, meanwhile, are only without Tom Cairney and Alvaro Arbeloa could hand debuts to Manuel Angel and David Affengruber.
When is Liverpool vs Fulham?
13:35 , Will CastleLiverpool’s clash with Fulham kicks off at 3pm BST today at Anfield.
It is not being televised in the UK due to it falling during the “blackout” period.
Liverpool vs Fulham LIVE!
13:30 , Will CastleLiverpool return to Premier League action fresh from a first Champions League win of the Andoni Iraola era - although another one in which they had to come from behind.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scored to seal a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night, with the Argentine doing his talking on the pitch with a superb winner after revealing his sadness at not yet yet being offered a new contract.
The Reds have now come from behind in three of their four games in all competitions this season and will be hoping for a more serene performance against struggling Fulham, who sit 19th and pointless after three games played.
It has been a turbulent start to Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure, with the former Liverpool defender returning to Anfield. The Cottagers have been entertaining to watch going forward but leaky at the back, conceding seven goals in only three top-flight games so far.
Good afternoon
12:00 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Liverpool’s clash with Fulham in the Premier League.
Stay tuned for all the latest team news, build-up and match action from Anfield.
