Simon Davies has warned his team-mates not to underestimate Liverpool this weekend.
Cottagers preparing to face under-strength Reds
Fulham winger Simon Davies has warned his team-mates not to underestimate Liverpool this weekend should the Reds rest some of their key players.
Rafa Benitez takes his side to Craven Cottage on Saturday three days ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Chelsea.
The Spaniard is likely to leave out the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard in an attempt to keep them fresh for the European encounter.
Benitez did the same thing last season when the Reds visited the Cottage, allowing Fulham to secure a 1-0 win which ultimately kept them in the Premier League.
Boost
Welsh midfielder Davies is hoping that Liverpool will be under-strength again this time around, but is wary of heading into the game believing the match is already won.
"It's a boost when you see the opposition's teamsheet and they have left out their star names," he said.
"Funnily enough we're in a similar situation to last year. Liverpool came down here with a weakened team and we managed to nick the win to stay in the league.
"But whoever Liverpool put out it will be a tough match, they proved that in the Premier League at Arsenal a couple of weeks ago."
Upheaval
Benitez's starting line-up is likely to cause a stir among Fulham's fellow relegation candidates, but for now the Cottagers are focusing solely on their own battle against the drop.
Relegation to the Championship would cause substantial upheaval at the club, with the players and management staff unsure what the future would hold.
One player who is definitely in that situation is Paul Stalteri, with the on-loan defender still in the dark as to whether he will be able to complete a permanent switch from Tottenham over the summer.
"I'd like to stay," said the American.
"If we do stay up and Tottenham and Fulham can agree a fee, then it would be a great situation to stay on.
"I joined in January and felt part of the squad from the first game I played.
"It's great to be playing first team matches again. I'd make the same decision again in a heartbeat.
"I was in and out of the squad at Spurs and it's a different situation when you know you're playing week-in week-out.
"You get your rhythm going and confidence back. I feel much sharper than I did two months ago."
