After a more than frustrating week in the cup, Liverpool remain at home as they resume their Premier League campaign. They have an opportunity to solidify 2nd in the table, especially after Chelsea’s away defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
Brentford’s home game against Liverpool (early in the season) saw them give the reds a torrid time, in an exciting 3-3 draw. As the season has drawn on, Brentford seem to have become an inconsistent side that is prone to dropping points. With safety still looking likely, the campaign could end up being a marvellous debut year, but they must still look to add points between now and the seasons end.
Tuesday saw Brentford taken apart at Southampton, with the home side cruising to a 4-1 win. There are few harder rebound venues than Anfield, but this season of irregularities could offer up some more surprises yet. David Raya Martin, Charlie Goode, Julian Jeanvier, Joshua Dasilva and Mathius Jorgensen remain injured, but the hope is that Rico Henry and Sergi Canos will be cleared to start. The AFCON has taken Frank Onyeka, so selections across the board will be left until the last moment.
Liverpool have a big week ahead, with their 2nd leg League Cup semi final tie on Thursday night. Manchester City have a strong lead in the league, but Klopp will surely look to go strong in each game this week. Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should start (against Brentford), with James Milner and Jordan Henderson rested. Up top could see Takumi Minamino make way, with the ever impressive teenager Kaide Gordon vying for another start. Thiago Alcantara, Divock Origi and Harvey Elliott remain sidelined. The AFCON still has the service of Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for a few more weeks.
Liverpool will need to be far more ruthless in front of goal, and this period without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah needs certain players to take the reigns. With Palace to come next weekend, this game is must win, and anything else will almost certainly hand the title to City. Control of the game needs to be asserted early, and the midfield will need to be more productive with the ball.
In a continuing period of isolations and postponed matches, Liverpool need to win each and every game from now. The travelling by side will be geared up to press and antagonise, and Ivan Toney will be keen to show why Liverpool should make a move for him. A reaction needs to come from the reds, and the home side will be desperate to deliver.
Player to watch – Curtis Jones
Score Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 0 Brentford
Steven Smith
