Brentford welcome Liverpool to the Gtech Community Stadium in a Bank Holiday Monday Night Football encounter.
Victory would see Brentford climb to seventh in the table, whilst Liverpool can go fifth for 50 hours with a win.
Team News
Ivan Toney is set to be ruled out for Brentford after he suffered a knee injury during Friday’s victory at West Ham.
Thomas Stakosha (ankle) and Frank Onyeka (hamstring) are both doubts but could face late fitness tests.
Aaron Hickey (ankle), Kristoffer Ajer (knee) and Shandon Baptiste (adductor) remain absent
Liverpool could welcome Roberto Firmino back after he missed their last three games with a calf injury, although he could face a late fitness test.
James Milner (hamstring), Fabinho (personal), Andrew Robertson (muscle) and Harvey Elliott (knock) are also doubts and set to be handed late fitness tests.
Cody Gakpo is unlikely to make his debut for the Reds unless his transfer paperwork and work permit are finalised prior to kick-off, placing his participation in doubt for this game following his move from PSV Eindhoven.
Curtis Jones (shin), Arthur Melo (thigh), Luis Diaz (knee) and Diogo Jota (calf) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Brentford are winless in two previous Premier League meetings against Liverpool (D1, L1).
- Liverpool drew 3-3 in their only previous Premier League visit to Gtech Community Stadium in September 2021.
- Thomas Frank’s Bees conceded three goals in each of their last two meetings against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
- Ben Mee is the only Brentford player who has made a last man tackle this season (1).
- Liverpool have claimed four points from three league visits to London this season (W1, D1, L1).
Prediction
‘Clinical’ seems the best way to sum up Brentford’s last three league matches because Thomas Frank’s Bees have simply executed their chances well, complete with energetic attacking quality which certainly proved crucial in beating West Ham, amidst excellent saves from David Raya in goal.
Liverpool meanwhile continue to leak goals which is now surely a real concern because they are riding their luck with their improved results, which was particularly evident against Leicester where they needed two own goals from Wout Faes to get the win in a largely wasteful performance.
Now if Brentford continue to play like they have done in their last three matches but can maintain defensive focus unlike in their last home game, I can see Liverpool needing to raise the bar and tighten up at the rear otherwise this could be another entertaining encounter just like last season.
Toney’s absence up front though could be Brentford’s sticking point in this game against a team of Liverpool’s talent, which makes me feel like the visitors might just have the edge.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Liverpool
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