LIVERPOOL VS BRENTFORD: PREVIEW

Liverpool return to Premier League action after consecutive games in the two domestic Cup competitions.  The Reds host Thomas Frank’s Brentford tomorrow with a chance to go above Chelsea into second place after Manchester City beat Chelsea today. We preview the clash against the Bees.

It’s been tough over the past month for Jürgen Klopp’s side, with just one victory in the last six games across all competitions. That victory came against Shrewsbury after the League One side had taken a shock lead at Anfield. The Reds are winless in their last three league games.

That run has seen them fall completely off the pace in the title race, with Manchester City now 14 points clear albeit having played two games more. The Reds haven’t been playing well enough over the past month, and their frustrating goalless draw against Arsenal on Thursday was another poor display.

The midfield is proving to be a headache as the absence of Thiago Alcantara continues to bite. The loss of form of some key midfielders hasn’t helped either. The trio of Morton, Keita and Milner got bullied and overran at Spurs. The trio of Fabinho, Henderson and Ox were woeful at Leicester.

The trio of Fabinho, Henderson and Milner were completely outclassed at Stamford Bridge, and that trio was absolutely dreadful against Arsenal on Thursday night. It’s been an underlying theme during this poor run of results.

Brentford gave Liverpool a game earlier in the season when they held Klopp’s side to an entertaining 3-3 draw. They’re not exactly the kind of opposition you’d want to face when you’re not firing on all cylinders with two of your best attackers away at AFCON.

Thomas Frank will have seen how badly Liverpool struggled to break down Arsenal’s packed defence and will likely set his team up similarly. They will look to cause problems with long balls aimed at Trent, just like we saw in the 3-3 when they overloaded Trent’s flank.

Brentford themselves haven’t been in good form of late, losing four of their last six in all competitions. Their two wins in that run came in a 2-1 away win over Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa, and a 4-1 win also away at League Two side Port Vale. 

In their very last outing, Brentford got taken apart by Southampton as they fell to a 4-1 defeat, but you’d expect them to be at their stubborn best when they make the trip to Anfield. They recently kept Manchester City to just the one goal deficit as they frustrated the reigning champions for the most part.

The Reds will need a much improved performance to get the better of the Bees. There can’t be a repeat of the dreadful attacking display we saw on Thursday night. The midfield selection has to be to be right, and whoever gets picked has to deliver.

Brentford currently sit 13th, 10 points clear of the relegation places. Thomas Frank has done an amazing job so far in the Bees first season in the Premier League. They can take this game as a free hit with a nothing to lose mentality. That could make them a dangerous opponent and the Reds know that first hand.

Team News

For Liverpool, Jürgen Klopp has pretty much the same squad available that he used against Arsenal on Thursday night. Thiago, Origi, Phillips and Elliott remain out, although the latter is expected in training next week after a lengthy absence with an ankle injury.

Thomas Frank is optimistic about having Rico Henry and former Liverpool youngster Sergi Canos available for selection, but Josh Dasilva, David Raya, Charlie Goode and Mathias Jorgensen are ruled out. Frank Onyeka joins Mané, Salah and Keita at AFCON.

Key Players

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 23 year looked way beyond his usual levels against Arsenal. Having just returned from a Covid infection it is understandable. They’ll need him back to his best if they’re to break down Brentford. He’s created the most chances and provided the joint most assists in the league. If he turns up, the Reds should win.

Ivan Toney

The 25 year old is a handful. It’s incredible he stands at only 5ft 10 because he’s a menace in the air. He relished the challenge of coming up against Van Dijk in the 3-3 and is relishing taking him on again. He’s a self confessed Liverpool fan too so expect him to want to impress on his first ever match at Anfield.

Diogo Jota

The Portuguese international was awfully quiet against Arsenal. Seeing him on the right wing just didn’t feel right. He’s a player that’s looks at his best in and around the box. If Jürgen and his coaching staff can work out a system that sees Jota play closer to Firmino then he should find more joy. He carries the goal threat in the absence of Salah and Mané.