Liverpool are aiming for only their second win of the new year when they visit Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Reds’ only triumph of 2025 came last weekend against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, with defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final sandwiched between frustrating draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Liverpool’s mini-blip has seen them leave the door open to title rivals Arsenal.
They will be hoping to find their best form again at the Gtech Community Stadium, a venue where they have previously struggled. They won 4-1 in west London last season, but were soundly defeated the previous season after drawing 3-3 in their first home game of 2021/22. Brentford have a strong home record this season and should not be underestimated.
This is how Liverpool could play at the weekend.
TW: Alisson – The Brazilian has been left uncharacteristically exposed by his defense in recent weeks and has kept just one clean sheet in his last seven games. Brentford are the division’s top scorers at home, meaning they will likely have plenty to do again this weekend.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – After starring in the FA Cup last weekend, Alexander-Arnold put in a mediocre performance at best against Forest during the week. The 26-year-old’s defensive deficiencies have become apparent in recent games and his normally impeccable passing radar has been a bit off.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Konate struggled on his return from a month-long injury and the Frenchman’s poor positioning allowed Forest to score first on Tuesday. He has to improve against the lively Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool’s captain has been annoyed by his defensive teammates in recent games and has often found himself isolated by his teammates. At least last weekend in the FA Cup he allowed himself a rare break.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – The Greek defender set up an assist with his first touch of the ball against Forest and delivered a precise corner that was converted by Diogo Jota. Andy Robertson endured another disappointing evening and Tsimikas should start at Brentford.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Gravenberch started all of Liverpool’s 20 Premier League games and was typically graceful and combative in their final game at the City Ground. His protection of the back four could prove crucial at Gtech.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister – Mac Allister has been in impressive form over the last month, even if Liverpool stumbled slightly. The Reds are leaning on his creativity and he should have plenty of scope to operate on Saturday.
RW: Mohamed Salah – A rare gap for the relentless Salah in midweek, although he did see a late effort cleared off the line. The Egyptian struggled as Forest sat deep and doubled him, but Brentford’s passionate approach should play into his hands this time.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – Szoboszlai has been sorely missed in recent games but made his Premier League comeback against Forest. It was a lively performance from the Hungarian, even if he struggled to break down a stubborn defensive unit.
LW: Cody Gakpo – Gakpo has scored 12 goals and provided four assists this season and should significantly surpass last season’s performance. Brentford’s defensive problems and injury problems at right-back should encourage the Dutchman.
ST: Luis Diaz – Further doubts about Diogo Jota’s injury are likely to open up a starting spot for Luis Diaz in the middle.