Liverpool vs Brentford Predictions
Both teams have something to play for at Anfield, and that should lead to an open and potentially entertaining encounter. I have a stake in BTTS and over 2.5 goals this weekend.
Goals Expected at Anfield
- Liverpool have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 7 matches (Premier League)
- Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 home matches
- Brentford have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 2 of their last 4 matches against Liverpool
- Brentford have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches
Liverpool Hold H2H Advantage Against Brentford
Liverpool and Brentford have met on nine occasions since 2021. Liverpool secured six victories while Brentford bagged two wins, including a 3-2 win in London earlier this season.
Liverpool Stunned at Villa Park
Liverpool return to Anfield for their final fixture of the season after a painful 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. Ollie Watkins bagged twice as the Villains ran out deserved winners at Villa Park.
Both teams had their moments in the Midlands, but defensive vulnerabilities again proved the Reds' undoing. Villa created five clear-cut opportunities while registering an xG of 1.85.
Arne Slot’s side have struggled to keep the door closed this season, particularly in recent weeks. Liverpool conceded 20 goals in their last ten games, with just one clean sheet achieved in that period.
While usually solid at Anfield, the Reds have dropped points against Leeds, Burnley, Tottenham and Chelsea since the turn of the year. Slot’s men conceded an average of over one goal per game in 18 home fixtures this season.
Coming into the final weekend of the campaign, Liverpool now sit fifth in the division, three points ahead of Bournemouth.
Brentford Held Again
Brentford come into Sunday’s Premier League encounter after sharing four goals in an entertaining 2-2 draw against London rivals Crystal Palace last weekend.
Dango Ouattara bagged a brace as the Bees twice fought back to pick up a point at Brentford Community Stadium.
Keith Andrews’ side have endured a frustrating period, with too many draws hurting their chances of European qualification. Brentford were held to stalemates in six of their last nine EPL fixtures, with just one win picked up in that period. Four of their nine most recent fixtures finished 2-2.
The Bees have dropped to ninth in the division, but could yet secure European qualification should results elsewhere go in their favour.
Predicted Lineups and Team News
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Giorgi Mamardashvili; Joseph Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Rio Ngumoha; Cody Gakpo
Head coach Slot has five injury worries for Sunday’s final EPL fixture of the season. Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, while Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo are all considered doubtful to feature.
Speaking after the defeat against Aston Villa, Slot refused to answer questions about his future.
"It's not about me, it's about us being disappointed with the result. I spoke yesterday on it, and that's enough. Our focus is on the Brentford game and making sure we earn the support of the fans by starting the game aggressive and well.
"The culmination of the fan support and a good performance will lead us to what we want to achieve, and that is qualifying for the Champions League."
Brentford (4-2-3-1) Caoimhin Kelleher; Michael Kayode, Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer, Nathan Collins, Keane Lewis-Potter; Yehor Yarmoliuk, Vitaly Janelt; Dango Ouattara, Mathias Jensen, Mikkel Damsgaard; Igor Thiago
Head coach Andrews has two expected absentees for the trip to Anfield. Fabio Carvalho remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, while Rico Henry is rated doubtful with a hamstring issue.
Andrews praised his side ahead of the Bees' final fixture of the season.
“I haven't had time to look at the table. We only focus on ourselves.
“I've seen it all season, in the way we train, the habits we have day to day. The character is there in abundance, and it will be there next weekend.
“I knew it was a special group; that was the most exciting part of getting the job. We have earned the right to be where we are. A really special group.”