Liverpool will aim to consolidate their position at the summit of the Premier League table when they travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford on Saturday.
The Reds suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League, which ended their 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp wanted to see a response and he got it from his boys last weekend as they beat Burnley 3-1 at Anfield, maintaining their two-point lead at the top of the standings as a result.
The Merseyside outfit must try to get some momentum back in their favour by beating Brentford, who beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 away last weekend.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool were dealt with a major blow last weekend as Trent Alexander-Arnold had to come off at half time in the win over Burnley after suffering a similar knee injury to the one he picked up against Arsenal in January, and the right-back is expected to be out for a few weeks.
Dominik Szoboszlai has missed the last two games with an aggravation of a hamstring problem and is yet to resume team training, meaning that a comeback against Brentford is likely beyond the realm of possibility. On a positive injury update, Mohamed Salah has returned to training and could be in the squad for Saturday’s game, along with Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez, who missed the win over Burnley due to illness.
Conor Bradley has been granted compassionate leave from Liverpool’s last two games due to personal reasons, but the right-back has been seen in training and will likely be involved this weekend. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate returns from a one-match ban after his red card against Arsenal.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker missed the 3-1 win over Burnley with a bout of illness but was spotted in team training on Wednesday, meaning the Brazilian should be fit to start in goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Defence
Conor Bradley is likely to replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Andy Robertson started his first game last weekend after returning from a long-term shoulder injury, and the Scot is certain to retain his spot at left-back.
Back from suspension, Ibrahima Konate should walk straight into Liverpool’s starting XI and partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
Midfield
As for the midfield unit, Wataru Endo will sit in front of the Reds’ backline and recycle possession as well as break up the opposition’s attacks. The Japanese will be joined by Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones in the engine room, as the trio look to take control of the game and dictate terms from the first blow of the whistle.
Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliot may get opportunities to impress in the second half.
Attack
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota scored in the 3-1 win over Burnley and should retain their spots in attack. It will be a toss-up between Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo for the final spot, although chances of the former retaining his place in the first XI looks high.
Back in training after recovering from a muscle problem, Mohamed Salah will be a great option to bring off the bench for the Reds.
