Overview
Liverpool started 2025 with a disappointing start, going three games without a win. Apart from an easy FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley, the Reds were held to a draw by Man United and lost to Tottenham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. In their most recent match, the Reds were also unable to beat Nottingham Forest.
These are worrying signs for coach Arne Slot and his players. However, it must be admitted that these are matches in which their opponents have performed beyond expectations. In fact, Liverpool still put on a lot of pressure, the problem is that they cannot take advantage.
Therefore, The Kop need to regain the trust of fans in the away match against Brentford, as well as create psychological momentum for the match against Lille in the Champions League in the middle of next week.
However, Brentford are not an easy opponent at the moment. They just held Man City to a 2-2 draw despite being 2 goals down until the 82nd minute. Not to mention, the "Beets" have played very well at Gtech Community this season, with 7 wins and 2 draws after 11 home matches in the Premier League.
Of course, Brentford still has weaknesses in defense when conceding 37 goals after 21 matches, the 5th worst record in the league. With this weakness, Liverpool's strongest attack in the league (48 goals) can fully take advantage.
Overall, Brentford can make things difficult for Liverpool, but it will be very difficult for them to keep the points in this match.
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning nine of the last 11 meetings. In the first leg this season, the Reds beat their opponents 2-0 at Anfield.
Human resources situation
Brentford still have a long injury list, with Kris Ajer, Josh Dasilva, Aaron Hickey, Ethan Pinnock, Igor Thiago, Ben Mee and Gustavo Nunes sidelined.
On the other side of the front line, Darwin Nunez returns from suspension. The only player absent due to injury for Liverpool is Joe Gomez, while Jarell Quansah is fit enough to be on the bench.
Expected lineup:
Brentford: Flekken, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Roerslev, Norgaard, Jensen, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Wissa, Mbeumo.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Konate, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Salah, Jota.
The match between Brentford and Liverpool takes place at 22:00 on January 18 (Vietnam time).
