Fulham inspired to face Reds

Roy Hodgson fears Liverpool are at the peak of their powers as Fulham attempt to land another crucial blow in the Premier League title race.

The Reds trail leaders Manchester United by one point and arrive at Craven Cottage today on a four-match winning run that has seen them plunder 15 goals.

Two weeks ago Fulham gave the Reds’ pursuit of United’s crown a huge boost by humbling Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 2-0 but Hodgson insists that is where the favours will end.

“We’re facing the really in-form team if you go on results,” said the Fulham boss.

“Heavy wins against Real Madrid, Man United and Aston Villa must have left confidence enormously high. We’re meeting them at the apex of a very good run.

“When the eyes of the world are upon you games against the big four add further inspiration.

“After our good results over the last few weeks and bearing in mind we’ve seen what Liverpool have achieved, we’ve been inspired to look forward to the game.

“We want to make sure that when the final whistle blows people are saying Liverpool are a very good team but Fulham can play too.”

Fulham begin the day in ninth place with eight games remaining and Hodgson is no longer looking over his shoulder.

“Mathematically we’re not safe but we’ve broken the back of the season in terms of relegation,” he said.

“With eight matches left there’s no reason for me to believe we’ll lose matches on the spin.

“We can get points from all our matches now and we can think more about staying in the top half of the table.

“I’d be delighted to finish in the top 10. We have a tough run in against teams competing for the same positions.”