Marco Silva knows that Sunday’s trip to Anfield represents ‘a tough task’ for his Fulham side – but believes the Whites will travel to Liverpool in good heart after Monday’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Portuguese boss told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:

“It’s always tough to play at Anfield with the quality and manager they have. The crowd will push them [on] – they’ve been perfect at home. It’s a tough task but we go to play our game, to do our best. We have to keep improving, do the right things and try to take points. The intention is the same, the idea is the same. Three midfielders, two wingers, but it’s up to me for the plan.

Silva admitted that the squad’s morale has been lifted by beating Wolves – but insisted he wasn’t panicking despite picking up only point from Fulham’s previous four league fixtures.

“It’s not the end of the world after the month before, we didn’t panic, we know what we are building. We have ups and downs, especially in this competition. But the players need good results, that’s the thing above all else, results, it lifts them.”

He will welcome back Joao Palhinha after the Portuguese international missed the dramatic win against Wolves through suspension.

“He’s so important, since he arrived he’s started all the matches. But we showed we can win without Joao, or any player. With all the players available, we are stronger, all teams are. I wanted to show we can win without him. He’s ready to go.”

The Fulham head coach reserved warm words of praise for captain Tom Cairney, who returned to the starting line-up with a masterful midfield display as Fulham ended their winless run and admitted he may have a tough decision over who to select in the engine room at Anfield.

“Tom knows how he has important for me since the first day. I know what he can give us, from the start or the bench. He gave us calm, right decisions, commitment [in the match against Wolves]. I’m pleased for him. I don’t see a rule that the captain always has to start. Tom knows he’s important for us. He’s captain, he deserves to be and he’s really important for me. As a professional, top behaviour always, starting or not. He wants to play.”

Fulham may give a late fitness test to Adama Traore but Silva said the injury updates he had received contained ‘no big difference from the last game’. Centre back Issa Diop has continued to train with his team-mates this week but is not fully fit, with Traore, Rodrigo Muniz and Tyrese Francois also building up their fitness on the training ground.