Gerrard to return to Liverpool fold for Fulham’s Anfield trip

Liverpool’s betting odds are 4/9 to beat Fulham in the next round of Premier League fixtures and their chances of securing three points are set to be boosted by the return of Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard has been out for almost a month with a hamstring injury and this has meant that Roy Hodgson has had to pair Lucas Leiva and Raul Meireles as his central midfield combination.

Although the duo have performed amicably, they fail to provide Liverpool with any attacking thrust, energy and goals from the heart of the midfield and this is something that should be solved by the return of Gerrard.

However, Hodgson remains undecided how long the England international is liable to feature for against Fulham.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: “Steven’s on track for the weekend. Steven has been determined to get back as quickly as possible and the physios are happy with him and he feels quite good.

“I am in the hands to some extent of the sports science people as to when he can come back. I would be devastated if we brought him back too early, but he still hopes he will be fit to play some part in the game against Fulham and so am I.”

Liverpool have won both of their Premier League home games 3-0 in Gerrard’s absence, but have fallen to defeats in their two away outings.

However, a continuation of this 3-0 winning streak at Anfield may prove tough as Fulham have left with goalless draws in each of the last two seasons, which were ironically both under Hodgson’s guidance.

This will be Hodgson’s first meeting with his former club and Liverpool are 8/1 to triumph 3-0 in the Premier League betting odds.

Fulham may not have scored in their last four visits to Anfield but they are 5/1 to beat Liverpool.

A £10 bet on Liverpool beating Fulham 4-1 could see a payout of £180. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.