Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Liverpool host Fulham in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. 

21:23, 63

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Willian on the run catches Liverpool sleeping and looks to cross to Decordova-Reid, but he fumbles his touch, and the ensuing attempt is drained of its potency.

But Fulham are looking increasingly likely, but fumble an excellent chance when Decordova-Reid on the right opts to fire at Kelleher instead of square the pass to a waiting Pereira.

21:20, 59

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Two quickfire attempts from either team, with Nunez firing a cross on the left straight to Leno’s gloves, before Decordova-Reid comes achingly close at the other end.

Fulham make little of their corner, but have more than enough threat for a second – and greater confidence than Liverpool at the moment to potentially pull one off.

21:17, 57

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Another breakneck chance for Fulham, as Jimenez looses himself on the left and sprints into the box, but his neat cross cuts through the six-yard box and just goes wide of goal!

21:15, 55

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Jota sneaks through the Fulham defence but hangs onto the ball for a hair too long, firing his eventual effort straight to the boot of Robinson.

Liverpool make their changes, Gravenberch and Elliott off for Gakpo and Nunez, as Klopp prepares to turn up the attacking volume.

21:12, 51

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Jones on the edge of the box knocks the ball straight to Leno, who falls on it to do some timewasting – as he has been doing throughout – but Pereira also drains the game of some pace with a spot of floor-rolling.

Fulham have been cunning, but the Anfield faithful are bored, and boo an unwilling Pereira off the pitch after the Cottagers’ medical staff are wrongly sent for.

The Portuguese player has to wait on the sidelines before being ushered on again.

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Semi-Final - First Leg - Liverpool v Fulham - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - January 10, 2024 Fulham's Andreas Pereira reacts after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Carl Recine NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.
21:09, 49

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Gravenberch looks to redeem himself in the wake of that stat posted mere minutes ago, surging through the midfield to reach the edge of the box and fire at Leno.

It’s good initiative, as the Fulham ‘keeper hasn’t a hope of reaching the strike, but he’s just off target.

Elliott is next to charge through, with Jota the last to try and poke the ball in, but Castagne marks his man well and keeps Leno from having to spring into action again.

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Semi-Final - First Leg - Liverpool v Fulham - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - January 10, 2024 Liverpool's Diogo Jota in action with Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo and Timothy Castagne REUTERS/Carl Recine NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.
21:07, 47

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Liverpool have started as they finished the last half: in possession, but not entirely in control.

Van Dijk floats the ball forward to Diaz on the left, but he opts not to hold onto it, sending it back as Liverpool continue to make measured progress into the Fulham half.

SECOND-HALF: Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

It’s the hosts who get us underway this side, as they look to avoid the second (almost) cupset in a row with a big 45 minutes.

Reed has been out and taking part in the mini warm-up after the break, which is reassuring.

Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele is at Anfield

Here’s his assessment of a tricky first-half for the home side.

Not the most heartening statistic

A little more work for the former Bayern Munich player to do in the second-half.

The veteran Dutch centre-back failed to deal with a bouncing ball whilst tustling with Fulham’s striker Raul Jimenez.

Consequently, Pereira manages to sneak in behind and play a ball to former Chelsea and Arsenal forward Willian.

READ MORE BELOW.

Age before beauty at Anfield

Against Klopp’s young pups, it’s the veteran who has the edge. Much to the delight of the ‘Carling Cup’ crowd, I assume.

HALF-TIME: Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Oh to be a fly on the wall in the Liverpool dressing room as Klopp vents his fury. They’ve had full control of the match for almost the entire 45 minutes, but the scoreline says otherwise.

That being said, Fulham have been terrific at keeping Liverpool subdued and off pace, and both teams are all but level on xG.

Distressing scenes for Fulham as the players head down the tunnel – captain Reed is prone on the turf, and looks deeply distressed, after being clattered by Kelleher keen to get his goalkick away quickly.

20:47, 45

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Van Dijk concedes another freekick, which Leno steps up to take, hoofing the ball almost straight to Kelleher.

We’ll have three minutes of added time, for all of Pereira’s rolling on the Anfield turf.

20:45, 42

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Jurgen Klopp is apoplectic on the touchline after the referee pulls the side back for a Liverpool freekick on the halfway line, proverbial steam almost visible coming out of his ears.

He’s right to be frustrated – the Reds have had terrible trouble making their way through Fulham, and things are made worse by the visitors making good headway in the other direction.

From the top of the box, Pereira sends in a flyer, but it’s an easy save for Kelleher.

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Semi-Final - First Leg - Liverpool v Fulham - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - January 10, 2024 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp REUTERS/Carl Recine NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.
20:40, 39

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Fulham have to shoot back to defend when Liverpool end their attacking stint, but make it in good time to again frustrate Liverpool’s progress going forward.

20:39, 37

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Mac Allister ploughs the freekick straight into the wall, who barely had to jump, and Fulham seize the moment to set off for a quick counter.

Willian with the ball encounters Bradley, who stops him in his tracks but forces the ball out for a throw.

When it flies back into play, Decordova-Reid controls the ball down in the box but takes too long for the second touch – the ball is charged off for a corner, taken quickly with little pay-off.

Fulham's Portuguese midfielder #26 Joao Palhinha (2R) and Fulham's Brazilian midfielder #18 Andreas Pereira (R) jump in the wall to block a freekick by Liverpool's Argentinian midfielder #10 Alexis Mac Allister during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 10, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
20:37, 35

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Liverpool win a corner after Jones skillfully tangles with Castagne, and they take it short. Elliot passes off to Jones, but his ensuing shot is knocked off target for another corner.

This one Mac Allister sends swinging in, and Leno has to punch the effort away from danger. As Liverpool battle to win back the ball north of the box, Jimenez’s collison with Jota hands the hosts a freekick.

20:33, 31

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Fulham looked to get away again, but a run from Robinson was quickly thwarted before Liverpool went back to the business of threatening in the Cottagers’ half.

But they’re making slow progress of it… Liverpool haven’t had stand-out chances, for all of their energy.

20:29, 27

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Pereira is back on his feet and it’s fair to say he might be able to see out the remainder of the match.

Bradley looks to probe down the right as Liverpool go hunting for their leveller, but the Reds are repelled back to the halfway line by a fired-up Fulham side.

WATCH: Willian’s unexpected opener

20:26, 24

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Pereira is down after being caught by Van Dijk’s arm, and he writhes and clutches his face with dare I say the lightest of theatrics.

Van Dijk picks up the first yellow, as his opponent is tended to on the pitch.

It does not appear, at first glance, to be the most significant challenge…

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Andreas Pereira of Fulham lies injured after picking up a knock during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield on January 10, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Referee David Coote shows a yellow card to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, right, during the EFL Cup first leg semi final soccer match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
20:24, 22

Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Well, that gives the hosts something to chew on, and immediately they look to respond, flooding into the Fulham box with Jota the sharp prong of their attack.

His eventual strike flies just over the bar, but the play is later flagged offside. But Liverpool are keen to get even, fast.

GOAL!!! Willian outfoxes the hosts (Willian 18′)

Entirely against the run of play, as Fulham have only just made their first foray in some time into the Liverpool half.

But a fumbling from Van Dijk sees the visitors pounce and Willian skitters through a cluttered box to fire at Kelleher and put the visitors ahead!

First class from the former Chelsea man!

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Semi-Final - First Leg - Liverpool v Fulham - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - January 10, 2024 Fulham's Willian scores their first goal REUTERS/Carl Recine NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.
Fulham's Brazilian midfielder #20 Willian (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 10, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
20:18, 17

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Jota looks to set up Diaz at the far post, or even out-fox Leno himself with a sharply angled ball into the box bisects the six-yard box, but the Colombian can’t get hold of it and has to muddle the ball back into the centre of the visitors’ half to reset their attack.

Liverpool are turning things up a notch, and pay off doesn’t seem too far away.

20:16, 14

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

It’s been one-way traffic into Fulham’s half for the last five minutes, and when the Cottagers do get their hands on the ball, they’re stuck in counter-pressing quicksand.

Respite comes in the form of a freekick on the right, which allows them to touch grass in their opposition’s half.

Willian gets the furthest on the left, but he screws his cross to a waiting Robinson and is quickly smothered by massing red-shirted defenders.

20:13, 12

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Gomez, on his 200th appearance for the Reds, sends a funky cross way over the crossbar, likely not its intended target.

But Fulham have to cut their mockery short when Leno slips getting his goalkick away, slapstick style.

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Bradley shows some early feistiness as he sets up another Liverpool half-chance rounding the box to fire in a cross. He’s tracked well and can’t find his target, but the youngster already looks hungry.

Liverpool are looking more comfortable here, but play halts after Pereira is tumbled in his own half. The freekick goes Liverpool’s way, however.

Liverpool's Conor Bradley, center, kicks the ball during the EFL Cup first leg semi final soccer match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Fulham look to set up a break through over the halfway line, but after Willian in acres of space is ignored by Jimenez, it’s Liverpool who pull off a more successful counter, scything through the visitors’ midfield.

Jones tries from distance and it’s a simple save for Leno, but the travellers looked momentarily exposed with relative ease from the hosts.

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Elliott receives a hearty round of boos from the travelling support, still sore from their abandonment in 2019.

Liverpool have hold of the ball now, and the forward tries to loft a ball to his waiting team-mates just north of the box, but it’s blocked back by a rigid Fulham defence.

Fulham's English-born US defender #33 Antonee Robinson (L) vies with Liverpool's English midfielder #19 Harvey Elliott during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 10, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Fulham keep possession early but barely have a chance to get out of their half by a buzzy Liverpool side.

It’s stop-start in the early moments, as Fulham look for a route down the right and the ball keeps on bobbing out of play.

KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

It’s the visitors who start us off – let the second first-leg tie begin!

The players are out on the pitch

Roared out by a spirited Anfield crowd. The crooning of You’ll Never Walk Alone begins… we’re moments from kick-off!

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Semi-Final - First Leg - Liverpool v Fulham - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - January 10, 2024 Liverpool fans with scarves inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Carl Recine NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

Jurgen Klopp, with a touch of gallows humour, talks Conor Bradley with Sky Sports

Good player. Do we have an alternative, by the way?

He’s a top boy. Pre-season, before he got injured, was really impressive. we always knew we wanted to use him when he was fit, now he’s fit and the others are not.

Marco Silva talks to Sky Sports

What kind of test is a trip to Liverpool at home? ‘The most difficult or one of the most difficult in this country. Everyone knows what it means to play here.

‘But we are aware of everything.’

On whether it’s the right time to meet Liverpool in light of their absences: ‘I don’t lose time looking at it. Last month we played against them in their top form, and you know what kind of game we played.

‘We have have to play at our best level, and we have to get a result that means we can finish the job at home.’

WATCH: No sign of pre-match nerves here!

Jimenez getting off on the right foot, quite literally.

Ex-Fulham ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer opines on Jimenez on Radio 5Live

Pre-injury Raul Jimenez was a very, very good player and a forward who always looked dangerous. He’s taken time to get back but now it seems like he has found the right fit. Right place, right manager and he is getting back that self belief.

The former Wolves forward has looked excellent this mid-winter, scoring four in his last four appearances, including the equaliser that helped Fulham kick on to victory against Arsenal in their last league run-out.

Fulham's Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Fulham at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

A line-up of Liverpool‘s absentee players has sent a jolt of shock through fans on social media.

Due to injuries, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the Asia Cup, Liverpool will be without some of the world’s best players and other seasoned first-teamers.

You’d be forgiven for feeling a mix of optimism and despair if you were a Liverpool fan…

READ MORE BELOW.

SPOTLIGHT: Conor Bradley’s time to shine

Bradley has made just five appearances for Liverpool this season, but more than held his own against Arsenal during his last run-out under Klopp.

The 20-year-old first joined the club’s academy from Northern Ireland youth side Dungannon Swifts in 2019, making his senior team debut in this competition in 2021.

After spending last season on loan at Bolton, Bradley is no doubt hungry for minutes, and Alexander-Arnold’s loss could be his gain if he helps his side keep a foothold in the tournament after the first-leg.

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder #11 Gabriel Martinelli (L) vies with Liverpool's Northern Irish defender #84 Conor Bradley (R) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 7, 2024. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Antonee Robinson on Sky Sports is up for the fight

I mean, from the start of the competion, we’ve taken it very seriously. We’ve been up against some good opponents. And I feel like we’ve put in a lot of good performances in this competition.

So to be so close to the final rewards our hard work and it gives us something to fight for.

Klopp puts his faith in youth

Hopefully the Liverpool manager has not looked up the result for that particulary tie…

… that was a 2-1 victory at Bramall Lane – but the Reds bagged two in the reverse fixture to progress all the same, and win the trophy a month later.

Meanwhile, in Middlesbrough

Fulham will hope the other side of the draw hasn’t set a precedent: travel north from west London and collapse completely.

Chelsea were outclassed by Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening, and have a lot to do if they have a hope of meeting either of tonight’s opponents at Wembley in February.

Read Mail Sport’s Craig Hope’s assesment below.

TEAM NEWS – Klopp is forced to roll the dice

Liverpool’s weakened side is still an impressive force, but Klopp has had his arm twisted into making five changes from the side who faced Arsenal in their weekend FA Cup victory.

But having Virgil van Dijk back in the side is an obviously plus, and he slots back in to the starting XI with Kelleher, Jota, Gravenberch, and up-and-comer Conor Bradley, making just his second start of the season as he steps into Alexander-Arnold’s boots.

Fulham are more conservative with two changes from their side who faced Arsenal in the league, as Pereira, Reed, and Diop come back in for Bassey, Cairney, and Iwobi.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 20: Juergen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, celebrates with Conor Bradley following the team's victory during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on December 20, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

An unimpeachable record

Liverpool are the tournament’s most successful side, having won the trophy – under a variety of different sponsorship names that do a good job of marking a football fan’s vintage – a mammoth nine times.

No doubt Jurgen Klopp will have eyes on making it a round number this year.

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Carabao Cup Final - Chelsea v Liverpool - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - February 27, 2022 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with the trophy after winning the Carabao Cup REUTERS/David Klein/File Photo

Breaking: TEAM NEWS – How Liverpool and Fulham line up

No January incoming signings yet, but one outgoing, as the Portugal international heads down a division for a six-month spell away from Merseyside.

You can read Mail Sport’s transfer expert Simon Jones’ report for more information, below

The stage is set

A particularly resplendent view of tonight’s venue, as Fulham look to become the first team to swipe victory at Anfield in 2024.

Only one team managed it in 2023: Real Madrid.

If Liverpool can successfully navigate this tricky period, then they might just realise their dreams this season…

READ MORE BELOW.

Last time out wasn’t so long ago…

It’s been just over a month since the two top-flight sides met at Anfield, and Jurgen Klopp will hope things go slightly more smoothly in the cup competition than they did in the league.

Liverpool snuck the win that day, but needed an 88th-minute winner to snare all three points from a feisty Fulham side that will have felt more than a little aggrieved at letting the tie slip through their fingers.

You can refresh your memory with Lewis Steele’s report from the day below.

Good evening!

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the week’s second Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie as Fulham travel north to Anfield to face Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Last night’s Chelsea collapse at Middlesbrough has whetted the appetite for upsets: are Fulham capable of reaching their first-ever league cup final?

Stick around as we bring you all the build-up, team news, and more ahead of kick-off at 8pm.

Key Updates

  • HALF-TIME: Liverpool 0-1 Fulham
  • GOAL!!! Willian outfoxes the hosts (Willian 18′)
  • SPOTLIGHT: Conor Bradley’s time to shine
  • TEAM NEWS – How Liverpool and Fulham line up
  • Last time out wasn’t so long ago…

TOP STORIES

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Mail Online

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

North Korea touts progress in U.S.-targeting hypersonic missile

SEOUL >> North Korea successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for its new-type…

Is Berlin’s €29 ticket for public transport coming back?

With less than two weeks to go before Berlin’s public transport authority…

Nikita Kucherov

Nikita Kucherov is a well-known professional ice hockey right-winger. Nikita Kucherov plays…

The 10 Richest People In Crypto 2022

Even with the recent crypto decline, digital currency has experienced unimaginable growth…