Predicting the Liverpool Starting XI vs. Fulham

Liverpool's penultimate Premier League game of the season sees the Reds go to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side who surprisingly aren't clear of relegation trouble just yet.

The Cottagers sit on 40 points and so should still be around in the top flight to take on the Reds again next season, but they'll be eager to win their last home game of the campaign to allay any lingering fears.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers opted not to change a winning team as the Reds took on Everton at Anfield last weekend, but following that goalless draw he's seen Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger ruled out through injury, and so he'll have to make changes for the final away fixture of his first season in charge.

Here is the predicted starting XI:

Pepe Reina

Four clean sheets in his last five appearances have seen any lingering doubts over Pepe Reina's form evaporate, and he'll be hopeful of seeing his opponents draw another blank here.

There is still speculation over Reina's future at the club (The Guardian), but the Reds would have to pull off something special to get a better goalkeeper.

Glen Johnson

The England full-back has started all but two of Liverpool's league matches this season, and has played the full 90 minutes in all of the last 26.

Still one of the first names on the teamsheet, Glen Johnson will be asked to get forward and support Liverpool's attack during a match in which they'll be doing all they can to get on the front foot.

Jamie Carragher

The clock continues to tick down on Jamie Carragher's career, and it is somewhat hard to believe that this will be his penultimate appearance in a Liverpool shirt and a last ever appearance away from Anfield.

The centre-back has done very well to establish himself as a key part of Rodgers' plans this season, and he'll be enjoying every minute of yet another Liverpool appearance.

There's only one more to go after this.

Martin Skrtel

With Daniel Agger sent for surgery on his back problem, Martin Skrtel stands by for only a second Premier League start in 15 matches.

The Slovakian has struggled this season following his hugely impressive form in the last campaign, but having opened the scoring in Liverpool's 4-0 win over Fulham at Anfield just before Christmas, he'll be confident of doing well here.

Jose Enrique

Jose Enrique has now started the last 12 following a previous niggling injury that curtailed his progress during what has been a largely impressive season.

The left-back has overcome criticism from Rodgers to establish himself as part of the manager's plans, and although his is a position that the boss will undoubtedly be looking at in the summer, he has surely done enough to stay on.

Lucas

Now in peak fitness and form after struggling to overcome past injuries, the Brazilian has played a part in each of Liverpool's last 22 league games.

In the 6-0 win at Newcastle, Lucas' energy proved crucial as he closed down the home midfield and established the platform upon which Liverpool dominated.

He'll be hoping for the same again here.

Jordan Henderson

Frustrated against Everton after proving so effective at Newcastle, Jordan Henderson will be looking to start a Liverpool league game for the seventh time in succession here.

After overcoming Rodgers' initial misgivings he seems to be in the squad to stay now, and he'll be determined to impress at Fulham―who he could have joined in August (Telegraph).

Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho's impressive start to life in England was blunted somewhat against Everton, but he was still the main source of creativity for his side.

He should get a bit more room to manoeuvre here, and just like at Newcastle it could be the Brazilian who proves key to everything his side does.

Stewart Downing

Stewart Downing is still in the Reds side as the season draws to a close, something that he must have thought wasn't possible earlier in the campaign.

He's earned his starting spot with a gradual improvement in his displays over the season, but supporters would like to see him stamp his authority over matches a little more.

Daniel Sturridge

Disappointing against Everton following on from his two goals at St. James's Park, Sturridge will be desperate to get back to goalscoring form at Fulham―especially as he's a former Chelsea player.

In Luis Suarez's absence he will again lead the line, and he'll be looking to make life difficult for home defenders Brede Hangeland and Philippe Senderos, who were part of the team who conceded four goals to relegated Reading last weekend―Fulham's fourth straight defeat.

Fabio Borini

Following a couple of substitute appearances, Fabio Borini could well get the nod for a first Reds league start since September here, largely due to the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard―who will sit out the final two games of the season with a shoulder injury.

Borini got a goal within seconds of coming on against Newcastle in Liverpool's last away game, and anything approaching that sort of impact would be hugely welcome for a player who has been unfortunate with injuries.