Liverpool visit Brentford in their first match of the new year on Monday evening at the Gtech Community Stadium in what looks to be an eye-catching battle.
THE BUILD UP
Thomas Frank’s side claimed a 2-0 victory over West Ham United in their final game of 2022 and the Reds came from behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 on Friday night.
Ivan Toney was the star performer in Brentford’s London derby victory, but the forward was unfortunately forced off on a stretcher in the final minutes.
His goal in the 18th minute and assist for Josh Dasilva just before the half time interval, secured the three points for the Bees.
Thomas Frank’s team enter the match in tenth with the chance to climb into seventh with a win against Liverpool. Having scored six goals and taking seven points in their recent meetings with Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, the Bees have confidence that they can leave the game with a positive result. Only league leaders Arsenal have come away from the Gtech Community Stadium with all three points this season. Since the 3-0 loss to the Gunners, Brentford have gone unbeaten in their last four at home in the Premier League, beating Brighton & Hove Albion, but sharing the points against Spurs, Wolves and Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were fortunate to leave Anfield with the three points on Friday night as Leicester City centre-back Wout Faes scored two own goals, something only a handful of players have done in the competition. Leicester started the game in full force, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall putting the Foxes ahead within four minutes with a brilliant solo run, before two Faes own-goals in eight minutes, gave Liverpool the lead going into half time.
Liverpool remain in sixth position following their victory, but can climb into fifth place – one point behind Manchester Utd in fourth - with a win on the road, following Aston Villa’s surprise victory at Tottenham on Sunday. The Reds enter the game on a run of four successive wins in the Premier League and have found the back of the net in each of their last 26 away league games in London.
Brentford Premier League Form
LD D W D W
Liverpool Premier League Form
LL W W W W
TEAM NEWS
Due to being forced off on a stretcher, many believed Ivan Toney sustained a serious injury, however Thomas Frank confirmed that his star striker has only suffered a minor muscular problem and could be available on Monday. Toney is still only expected to feature on the bench, while Kristoffer Ajer, Shandon Baptiste and Aaron Hickey all remain out with injuries.
Frank Onyeka and Thomas Strakosha are both in contention but Frank is predicted to make just one change from the West Ham clash, being Yoane Wissa to replace Ivan Toney up front.
Liverpool also suffered injury concerns in their last match, as Harvey Elliott and Andrew Robertson both left the field with knocks at Anfield, although Klopp believes the two are available. It is unknown whether the pair will be rushed into the starting 11 though. Arthur Melo, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz will all miss the game through injury.
Curtis Jones returned to first team training but is not expected to make the starting lineup, but James Milner and Roberto Firmino could both make the squad.
Jordan Henderson struggled on Friday and may be rested for Naby Keita.
Ibrahima Konate is available for selection after returning from the World Cup and is favoured over Joel Matip.
Thiago may not be ready to play another full 90 minutes, so Stefan Bajcetic may be introduced.
Fabinho missed Friday’s game due to the birth of his child, but he could return to the starting squad. New signing Cody Gakpo will also be eligible to make his debut on Monday but is not expected to start.
Brentford predicted lineup:
David Raya (GK); Zanka, Ethan Pinnock, Ben Mee; Mads Roerslev Rasmussen, Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt, Rico Henry; Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo.
Liverpool predicted lineup:
Alisson (GK); Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil Van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Assistant referees: Darren Cann, Harry Lennard
Fourth official: Simon Hooper
VAR: Darren England, Mark Scholes
PREDICTION
I believe Liverpool will take a 3-0 victory. Without poacher Ivan Toney, Brentford may struggle to break down the Liverpool backline as effectively. Wissa and Mbeumo will cause problems, but it will not be enough. Liverpool should dominate the game and take advantage of their chances, Brentford’s impressive home record. West Ham shown how Brentford can be broken down and on another day, they could’ve scored one or two.
Commentaires