Fulham 1, Liverpool 0 (D,Post)

May 7 2007 by Ben Thornley at Craven Cottage

Having twice risked the Australian when he was some way from being 100% in Cardiff and Istanbul, Benitez is unlikely to hesitate to call on the mercurial winger if he can prove his fitness in the coming weeks.

The manager will not have been swayed, though, by the performances of any other candidates for an Athens berth.

Craig Bellamy, who started alongside Fowler in attack, did little to suggest that he will survive the summer, although his pace might yet be utilised against AC Milan’s creaking back four.

The Wales front-runner could have had two in the opening eight minutes of the contest but was twice thwarted by Antti Niemi either side of a theatrical Tomasz Radzinski dive, which drew the derision of his own fans and the travelling support. They turned up in numbers even if Liverpool’s stars did not.

There was then a moment of concern when Reina collided with Brian McBride while tending to a cross from Radzinski, the hero of the penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea left clutching his shoulder. The club are awaiting a scan to determine the extent of the injury.

The hosts almost broke the deadlock on 22 minutes, Vincenzo Montella’s goal-bound overhead kick striking the upright via a deflection off Alonso, before the Italian drifted a free-kick over the crossbar following Fowler’s reckless challenge on McBride.

Saturday’s opponents usually bring out the best in Fowler but the Toxteth-born marksmen did not enjoy the finest of afternoons.

He did, however, help craft an opening for Bellamy with a delightful scooped pass which the former Blackburn man drove across goal.

Bellamy should, perhaps, have done better with the chance. Fowler definitely should have with an opportunity created by Jermaine Pennant’s centre, the striker miscuing from point-blank range.

One player who did redeem himself on Saturday was Gabriel Palleta, who lined up alongside Sami Hyypia.

The centre-back took much of the blame for the previous weekend’s defeat to Portsmouth, his reputation already having suffered in the 6-3 Carling Cup mauling to Arsenal.

But this was a much more encouraging display from the Argentinean, who made a succession of brave blocks and headers, and was unlucky to have a late goal ruled out for offside.

He was joined in the back-line by fellow countryman Emiliano Insua, whose performance also offers much encouragement.

If the form of the two young stoppers has provided Benitez with greater defensive options, the Madrid-born manager is blessed in the position of centre midfield.

Such is the Spaniard’s strength in this department that he could afford to leave both Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano at home, and with wrecking balls like Brown and Diop swinging around the pitch, it was probably just as well.

The pair relentlessly chased and harried Alonso and Sissoko, who was off target with an effort from range after the interval, throughout the afternoon.

Both men were fortunate to still be on the field when the Londoners took the lead on 69 minutes, shortly after Bellamy had again been denied by Niemi.

Dempsey finished a move he began, exchanging passes with full-back Liam Rosenior on the edge of the box to open up Liverpool’s defence, slotting coolly past a prone Reina for his first of the campaign.

The goal was lucky to stand, McBride interfering with play from an offside position during the build up, but that was the least of Benitez’s complaints, as Brown continued to snap at Alonso’s heels.

Brown, a boyhood Liverpool supporter, was eventually booked on 76 minutes – about 54 minutes after he should have been removed – for a foul on the Spain international.

At least his clumsy midfield partner Diop was later given his marching orders after an umpteenth foul on Sissoko saw him enter Bennett’s book for a second time on 90 minutes.

Kewell was introduced on 77 minutes, and almost influenced the outcome with a telling ball from the left which Fowler entrusted his left boot to connect with when he should have favoured his right.

Sunday’s end-of-season meeting with Charlton promises to be a significant afternoon for both men. For Kewell a final chance to influence his manager’s selection, for Fowler a last opportunity to receive the acclaim of those who worship him on the Kop.