Brentford look to continue their strong start to life in the Premier League as Thomas Frank’s Bees face a difficult test against Liverpool at Brentford Community Stadium.
Should Manchester City, Everton and West Ham all lose earlier on Saturday afternoon, victory would see Brentford climb to fifth for at least 23 hours.
Liverpool meanwhile can go top with a win if Chelsea fail to defeat Man City in the lunchtime kick-off, or if Jurgen Klopp’s Reds can better the result of Thomas Tuchel’s Blues if both teams win their matches.
Team News
Shandon Baptiste is available for Brentford after serving his one match ban in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup mauling of Oldham, having been red carded at Wolves last Saturday.
Mads Sorensen (knee) and Josh Dasilva (hip) remain absent as Thomas Frank prepares to again rotate his squad, with Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney amongst those set to return to the starting eleven.
Liverpool could welcome Roberto Firmino back from a thigh injury which kept the Brazilian striker out of their last four matches.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (illness), Naby Keita (knock) and Neco Williams (foot) are also set to be available if deemed match fit but Harvey Elliott (ankle) and Thiago Alcantara (calf) are ruled out.
Stat Attack
- This is Brentford’s first-ever Premier League meeting against Liverpool.
- Brentford have won just one of their last five league meetings against Liverpool, albeit in the old First Division (W1, D1, L3).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in three of five previous away league matches against Brentford at the Bees’ old Griffin Park ground (W2, D1, L2).
- Both of Ivan Toney’s two Premier League goals this season have been scored on his right foot.
- No Premier League player has produced more shots on target in the opening five rounds this season than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who has put 13 of his 22 shots on target.
Prediction
Having suffered their first defeat of this season at home two weeks ago to Brighton, Brentford bounced back brilliantly at Wolves with a well controlled performance despite Shandon Baptiste’s red card and proceeded to absolutely destroy Oldham in midweek Carabao Cup action.
Thomas Frank’s Bees however are going to have to be at their best here because I do expect them to do more defending than attacking, which could well require a serious tactical shake-up although the decision to rest several regulars in midweek could be of their benefit with fresh legs for this encounter.
Liverpool meanwhile were clinical in their wins over Crystal Palace and Norwich this past week with excellent following up of blocked chances from set pieces, although their pressing was also pivotal but that aspect of their game will certainly face a test because Brentford will certainly match them in attacking press.
In fact, I am excited to see how this match unfolds because Brentford should have enough to match Liverpool in attacking ability, although first goal will be key because if Brentford score first then anything could happen otherwise I am going for a Liverpool win here.
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Liverpool
Result: Brentford 3-3 Liverpool