Super tricky to play Brentford – Klopp
Brentford host Liverpool in the Premier League’s early kick-off as Jurgen Klopp’s men hope to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The Reds are currently two points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal though they have played one game more than Pep Guardiola’s side. Collecting three points this afternoon would keep Liverpool ahead of their challengers and continue their winning momentum.
Liverpool could also be boosted by the return of Mohamed Salah who has returned to training after recovering from an injury suffered while on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Whether he is fit to start is unknown but his presence should be felt in London even if he plays a role as a substitute.
For their part, Brentford secured a much-needed win against Wolves last time out to keep them six points off the relegation zone. Points are crucial currency at this stage as a congested relegation battle is beginning to develop and Thomas Frank will be hoping his team can distance themselves away from the drop zone.
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Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Brentford have suffered back-to-back Premier League home defeats despite scoring the first goal. The Bees have also dropped a league-high 26 points from winning positions this season.
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:56
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Liverpool have won five of their last six Premier League games. Their two league defeats this season have both come against London clubs: Tottenham and Arsenal.
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:51
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Brentford have lost seven of their last nine Premier League matches, although they did beat Wolves last time out. Thomas Frank’s side have lost four of their six most recent home league games, as many as they had in their previous 30.
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:46
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Liverpool are aiming for a third consecutive win over Brentford. The home side has never lost this fixture in the Premier League, with the Bees winning 3-1 last season.
The Reds have both scored and conceded in all seven of their away league games against Brentford.
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:41
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Thomas Frank makes one change from the side which won 2-0 at Wolves as Kristoffer Ajer comes into defence in place of Ethan Pinnock.
Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa are both named on the bench having returned to Brentford following the conclusion of Afcon.
Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, makes two changes from the side which beat Burnley 3-1 at Anfield last time out.
Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out through injury and is replaced at right-back by Conor Bradley while Ibrahima Konate is back after a one-match suspension and is preferred to Jarell Quansah at the heart of defence.
Mo Salah starts on the bench.
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:36
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Brentford XI: Flekken; Mee, Ajer, Collins, Norgaard, Jensen, Reguilon, Janelt, Roerslev, Maupay, Toney
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Endo, Mac Allister, Jones, Diaz, Nunez, Jota
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:32
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Mohamed Salah’s return should boost Liverpool even further as the Reds have been in brilliant form during his absence. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury means there is a big gap to fill in the defence and Brentford should have the ability to target it.
In Ivan Toney they have a proven goalscorer but Jurgen Klopp’s men should have the desire and quality to edge this game and keep their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:26
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
As we wait for the official line-ups to drop here’s what we know about the squad news:
Yoanne Wissa and Frank Onyeka could be back in the fold for Brentford after the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, while the injury suffered by Mathias Jensen against Wolves is not thought to have been serious.
While Mohamed Salah would appear to be fit and available for selection, Jurgen Klopp is likely to be cautious with his forward on his return, perhaps utilising him from the bench.
Alisson and Joe Gomez were also able to train earlier this week, and Ibrahima Konate is back from suspension, but Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai remain sidelined.
Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:22
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
Brentford vs Liverpool is due to kick off at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday 17 February at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 11am GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+.
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Mike Jones17 February 2024 11:17
Brentford vs Liverpool – LIVE
The Reds do not have a great record here so far – they’ve had two visits to the Brentford Community Stadium since the Bees’ promotion and have only managed a 3-3 draw and, last term, a defeat.
Brentford’s home form this term reads four wins, three draws and five defeats, so it’s not quite as formidable as they have made it in the past.
Karl Matchett17 February 2024 11:12
