Liverpool vs Fulham preview - Gerrard return lifts Reds

Posted Wednesday, January 26, 2011 by PA

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returns to the side against Fulham at Anfield after serving a three-match ban.

It is a further boost for the club following the away win at Wolves on Saturday - Kenny Dalglish's first victory since becoming caretaker manager.

Dalglish may be tempted to freshen things up and give a run-out to Joe Cole, who was an unused substitute at the weekend.

Milan Jovanovic could also return to the squad after missing the match at Molineux because of illness.

Martin Kelly is set to stay at right-back after receiving from glowing praise from Dalglish.

The 20-year-old Kelly had made just two league appearances this season before Dalglish's arrival.

"Martin's done very well for the club," he said.

"He's like a new signing for the club because that's four on the spin he's played now.

"He's earned it and it doesn't matter what age you are, if you are performing you'll have a chance of playing.

"It is impressive when you come into a team that isn't playing as well as it can and you play as well as he has done."

Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes are both doubts for Fulham.

Midfielder Etuhu and defender Hughes limped out of Saturday's 2-0 win over Stoke, with the former the bigger concern with a hamstring injury.

His failure to make it would likely see Steve Sidwell handed a full debut by manager Mark Hughes.

Sidwell could not hold down a first-team spot at Chelsea or Aston Villa but is hoping for better luck at Craven Cottage.

He said: "There are a few here that probably hadn't had the luck they had hoped for at their previous club, but have come here and gone on to be very successful.

"That shows what this place is all about and the opportunities that you are given.

"I believe that I will get the chance here and, hopefully, given that chance, I can prove myself and take it with both hands."

Hughes remains without Bobby Zamora (leg), Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Matthew Briggs (calf), while Mark Schwarzer is on Asian Cup duty with Australia.