MatchThe opposition lowdown: Brentford

Recent form

The Bees head in to this game buoyed by a 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, with Christian Norgaard and Ivan Toney both on target.

Toney has scored three goals in four appearances since returning from suspension and Thomas Frank's side have won two of those games, having lost their previous five league fixtures prior to their talisman's comeback.

Brentford were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City in their last home game, but 15 of their 25 Premier League points this season have come at the Gtech.

The view from Brentford

Dave Lane, The Beesotted Podcast

On Brentford's season so far…

It's been a struggle compared to last season, which was an amazing campaign and was always going to be hard to match with the horrendous injuries we've suffered to many of our key players, as well as having Ivan Toney missing for a large chunk. To be honest, at this stage, it's all about next season and finishing 2023-24 with the wins that push us nearer halfway than the relegation pack.

On Brentford's key players…

Ivan Toney will always be the first name on the list, he brings so much to the team, not just goals, but other key players are Bryan Mbeumo and Rico Henry, both of whom are out injured still unfortunately. Of those who are available, Christian Norgaard and Mat Jensen have shone at this level in midfield and Sergio Reguilon has brought some much-needed experience to the left wing-back position.

On Brentford's likely approach this weekend…

The win at Wolves will give the players a lot of belief that they may have turned a corner, but we will be treating Liverpool with caution. We will create chances throughout, but I'm sure will be looking to keep the game tight and keep our defensive block and lines tight. Thomas Frank will be sniffing a win, I think.

Possible XI: Flekken, Roeslev, Collins, Pinnock, Mee, Reguilon, Norgaard, Janelt, Jensen, Maupay, Toney.

Previous meetings

Liverpool were 3-0 winners when the sides met at Anfield back in November, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice and Diogo Jota also on target.

The Reds have not won on either of their two previous visits to Gtech Community Stadium, however, losing 3-1 in January 2023 and drawing 3-3 in September 2021.

What they said

Brentford head coach Frank

"We are facing the top-of-the-league team; a team in form in many ways. They have top players and a top manager. I think Liverpool are the best offensive team in the league, because they are very difficult to close down when they are on it. They play in behind, they play crosses, they combine, they do one-v-ones, they are good on set-pieces. They have created the most xG, which is completely aligned to how they play offensively. It's going to be a huge challenge, but we are up for it, and we believe in ourselves. We believe that we can get a result."