Recent Form
Brentford can be extremely satisfied with their campaign to date, suffering just the single defeat from five league outings (W2-D2-L1) and experiencing little problem overcoming fourth-ter outfits Forest Green and Oldham in the League Cup, most recently beating the latter 7-0 on Tuesday.
Thomas Frank’s side did manage a 2-0 win hosting Arsenal on the opening day of the season, though the Gunners had injury problems and were in complete disarray at the time.
Mikel Arteta’s team were bullied physically, but Brentford can’t expect the same to be the case here and this will represent their first tackle of an elite side this term.
Liverpool had little problem of their own midweek as a second-string side sauntered to a 3-0 win over Norwich in the League Cup, though the big stars will return to action for this encounter.
Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate featured against Norwich, so there’ll likely be some rotation with Joel Matip to get the nod alongside key man Virgil van Dijk, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson should complete a familiar defensive unit.
Midfield presents a problem for Jurgen Klopp with Harvey Elliott out for the long term, Tiago sustaining a calf issue last weekend and Naby Keita picking up a knock midweek.
With James Milner recovering from illness and a slight doubt for this encounter, Curtis Jones may expect to retain his place after an impressive performance on Tuesday, joining regulars Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in the middle of the park.
Elsewhere, Roberto Firmino remains sidelined, so a front three of Diogo Jota, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane pick themselves.
Liverpool -1 Handicap
Liverpool are now unbeaten in 16 competitive matches stretching back into April, emerging victorious in 11 of 12 since the start of May.
Nine of those wins came by a minimum two-goal margin, including all five domestic triumphs this season as Milan and Chelsea are the only teams to keep things tight against them in the current campaign.
Liverpool had a few problems against promoted sides last term in what was a difficult season disrupted by injuries, going just W2-D3-L1 in such fixtures.
However, they’ve already thumped Norwich in both league and cup games this season, while in the three previous seasons, they won 17 of 18 unbeaten league matches facing promoted teams, with 13 of those coming by at least two clear goals.
Mo Salah To Score Anytime
With goals on the agenda, Mo Salah looks the pick of the bunch as he’s been in fine fettle so far this season.
He’s found the net in five of six appearances across all competitions, and will be disappointed if he can’t increase his tally further in this one.
PREDICTIONS:
LIVERPOOL -1 HANDICAP
MO SALAH TO SCORE ANYTIME
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