Liverpool host Brentford at Anfield on August 25 for their first home game of the 2024/25 Premier League season, aiming to build on their winning start under new boss Arne Slot.
The Reds needed half-time encouragement from Slot in their opening day fixture at Ipswich Town, as second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah earned them a 2-0 win after what was a sluggish start to the game.
Liverpool outplayed the Bees both times last season, scoring seven goals across the two matches. Indeed, they are unbeaten in five of the last six encounters versus Brentford.
Thomas Frank's charges pipped Crystal Palace 2-1 in the season's curtain-raiser, courtesy of goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa while the team's chief forward Ivan Toney remained out of the squad amidst transfer links away from the club.
They will likely set up differently at Anfield, mostly starting with three at the back, as Frank does in the big matches against high-calibre opponents. And perhaps, that is why they have bolstered their backline with the signing of Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg.
Team News
Jarell Quansah was hooked at halftime for tactical reasons last week, and subsequently picked up an injury in training that casts doubt over his involvement on Sunday.
The Merseyside club haven't added to their roster this window yet, implying that Slot could field a similar XI that beat Ipswich.
Frank conceded that Toney's future is 'up in the air' as the striker continues to attract interest from the Saudi Pro League and other English sides.
Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva and Aaron Hickey are in the treatment room, while long-term absentee Rico Henry could make a return to action after the international break.
The game could come too soon for new acquisition Van den Berg, while the majority of the starting team should retain its place.
Likely Lineups
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Norgaard, Janelt, Jensen; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade
Key Players
Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai was tasked with the creative role in the first game, starting on paper as the man behind Jota, who spearheaded Liverpool's forward line.
He was excellent with the spaces he took up, underlining how comfortable on the ball he is in the final third. It resulted in him taking three shots on goal and creating a few chances for Mohamed Salah, who was the Reds' out-ball option on the break.
That meant Szoboszlai also manned deeper pockets to play the ball over the top. With Ryan Gravenberch deployed in a deeper role alongside Alexis MacAllister, the Hungarian's defensive responsibilities are reduced.
Should he continue in the advanced number 10 position, Szoboszlai has a great chance to add to the seven goals he recorded in his first season for Liverpool.
Brentford: Yoane Wissa
Wissa automatically becomes Brentford's target man in Toney's absence. He starred in the London derby last week, laying on an assist for Mbeumo before scoring the winner himself. The 27-year-old has scored and assisted for three matches on the trot.
As the Bees could morph into a defensive shape against Liverpool, it will be up to him and Mbeumo to engineer counter-attacks as a double attack up front at times.
He finished the league with 12 goals and three assists last season, and should Toney finally depart, he would have to bear the burden of goalscoring until Brentford enter the market for another striker.
Could Wissa's predatory instincts and link-up play spark a surprise at Anfield?
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at Anfield, the home of Liverpool.
What time is kick-off?
The game is expected to commence at 16:30 BST on Sunday, 25th August.
Where can I watch?
The game is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Even
