Jurgen Klopp’s reign at Liverpool has had its ups and downs, but there is a looming sense that the lauded manager’s final few weeks on Merseyside will be marred by anguish and resignation.

Failing to defeat Manchester United in commanding positions on recent trips to Old Trafford in the FA Cup and Premier League has unraveled Liverpool’s thrilling campaign like a loose kite in the wind, with successive Anfield losses to Atalanta (in the Europa League) and Crystal Palace (in the Premier League).

The Carabao Cup was won in February, and it appeared like a galvanizing tone-setter for the months ahead, with the Reds pushing so hard despite chronic injury blows to fire on all cylinders. After overcoming such challenges, Liverpool has mysteriously fallen.

Klopp merely has to ignite his team back into life at Craven Cottage on Sunday against Fulham, with Manchester City leading their two opponents by two points heading into the weekend, and Arsenal also suffering a surprise defeat last weekend.

Liverpool have an unusually clean bill of health, however Conor Bradley is still recovering from an ankle injury that will keep him out for a few weeks.

Klopp must recover from the midweek Europa League defeat to Atalanta, in which the Merseysiders demonstrated spark and initiative, and may make three changes to the starting lineup.GK: Alisson

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

CB: Ibrahima Konate

CB: Virgil van Dijk

LB: Andy Robertson

DM: Wataru Endo

CM: Harvey Elliott

Dominik Szoboszlai has gone by the wayside, and while he can recover, he must be replaced by Harvey Elliott in this one, as the explosive midfielder is more than deserving of a berth in his preferred position.

The 21-year-old is a genuine first-class potential who has begun to demonstrate why he can play a long-term part in this Liverpool squad, having been rated as a “special talent” by The Athletic’s James Pearce.

CM – Alexis MacAllister

Alexis MacAllister has been a monster of a signing for Liverpool, and he will need to unleash the full extent of his world-class talent if he is to lead the club back to the light.

He’s scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League games, and he might be the difference-maker again versus Fulham.

RW: Mohamed Salah

LW: Luis Diaz

CF: Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota has never scored or assisted against Fulham in seven meetings, but he must be chosen to lead the line on Sunday, boosting Liverpool’s chances of overcoming recent wastefulness. He has also been hailed as a “pressing monster” by assistant manager Pep Lijnders.