Liverpool want three factors to maintain tempo with their fellow Premier League contenders, and Brentford are the opposition for Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect on Sunday.
Liverpool vs. Brentford
Premier League (12) | Anfield
November 12, 2023 | 2pm (GMT)
Liverpool are hoping to spice up the temper earlier than the worldwide break with a house win over Brentford.
Klopp’s staff drew their final Premier League fixture, in opposition to Luton, and misplaced within the Europa League, so supporters might do with some reassurance of Liverpool 2.0’s potential.
Forward of the Reds’ conflict with Brentford, we’ve put collectively every part it’s essential know.
1. Current historical past
Since promotion in 2021, Brentford have proved a thorn within the aspect for the Premier League‘s prime groups.
Of the 4 fixtures between the groups in that point, Liverpool have received two, drawn one and misplaced one.
The latest assembly was in Might, when the Reds managed a 1-0 win at Anfield because of Mo Salah‘s tap-in following a Fabinho floated cross to Virgil van Dijk, who headed the ball completely throughout the field.
We’d take the identical consequence once more, I’d say.
2. Damage updates
The important thing query this weekend is whether or not Ryan Gravenberch will probably be out there.
On Wednesday, Klopp stated the Dutchman “had a little bit niggle – knee” and “he was operating,” earlier than including “there’s a likelihood for Brentford and he will certainly be again after the worldwide break.”
Information on Curtis Jones‘ hamstring downside was much less optimistic. The supervisor defined: “After the worldwide break, he will probably be again, however not earlier than. Low, low grade hamstring.”
Virgil van Dijk is anticipated to return from sickness.
Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson and Thiago are additionally all nonetheless lacking.
3. Mac Allister suspended
One other midfielder who received’t be enjoying is Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine misses this one by way of suspension, as a consequence of receiving his fifth reserving of the season in opposition to Luton final weekend.
Luckily, the ban is only one sport lengthy and he’ll be capable of face Man Metropolis after the worldwide break.
4. Midfield picks itself
Klopp’s greatest conundrums come on the left for this one.
Whether or not Kostas Tsimikas retains his place, after being withdrawn at half time in opposition to Toulouse, is of curiosity, with Joe Gomez prone to come again in for the Premier League.
In the meantime, Diogo Jota is anticipated to start out on the left wing after Luis Diaz began on Thursday.
Elsewhere, there may be the potential for Cody Gakpo to play deeper than typical, however we anticipate Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai to kind the midfield three.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Elliott, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Jota
5. Not on TV once more
As soon as once more Liverpool haven’t been picked for broadcast on UK tv.
The sport was initially scheduled for a 3pm Saturday kick-off, however the Reds’ Europa League participation meant the sport was pushed again to 2pm on Sunday.
Within the UK, Liverpool’s solely Premier League house sport broadcast to date this season was the Merseyside Derby.
We’ll have every part lined right here on This Is Anfield, although!
6. The Bees have been conserving busy
Thomas Frank’s staff proceed to show themselves as harmful Premier League opposition, regardless of their comparatively low finances.
Brentford are in nice kind coming into this one, having received their final three matches, in opposition to West Ham, Chelsea and Burnley.
Their final away fixture was that 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, so Liverpool will want to ensure any backdoors are firmly closed as a result of counter-attacking risk the Bees possess.
7. Loads of absences
Brentford could possibly be with out 9 gamers for his or her journey to Anfield, however goalkeeper Mark Flekken ought to be capable of begin after being withdrawn at half time final weekend.
Shandon Baptiste and Myles Peart-Harris are “near being out there for attainable choice,” Frank stated. Nevertheless, they don’t seem to be anticipated to play from the beginning.
Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Keane Lewis-Potter, Kevin Schade and Josh Dasilva will all miss out with longer-term issues. Ivan Toney is, in fact, nonetheless out as a consequence of his ban.
8. Do you know?
The 4 most up-to-date encounters between the groups have seen 14 targets scored with Brentford scoring six to the Liverpool’s eight.
Liverpool have scored in every of their final 27 matches since their 0-0 draw at Chelsea in early April.
The Reds haven’t received successive league conferences with Brentford since October 1946. They’ve performed 5 league fixtures within the time since.
9. Tierney is again at Anfield
Klopp’s finest mate Paul Tierney is the referee for this one – sure, that was sarcasm.
The pair have had their fair proportion of run-ins over time, most just lately in April when Klopp stated: “I actually don’t know what he has in opposition to us, he has stated there isn’t any downside however that can’t be true.”
These feedback got here after Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham through which tensions ran excessive on the touchline.
The assistant referees this weekend are Nick Greenhalgh and Mark Scholes, whereas Stuart Attwell is the lead VAR.
10. Observe the match with TIA
Liverpool vs. Brentford kicks off at 2pm (GMT) and isn’t on UK tv.
Concern not, although, TIA’s matchday reside weblog will probably be up and operating from 1.15pm, with Adam Beattie tasked with conserving you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
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