Brentford vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions, and How to Watch

Introduction

The Premier League clash between Brentford and Liverpool is set to be an exciting encounter on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Newly promoted Brentford impressed in their debut top-flight season and will be looking to cause an upset against Jurgen Klopp’s formidable Liverpool side.

This in-depth match preview provides everything you need to know before kickoff at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Read More: Digital News Planet.

Brentford vs Liverpool Match Preview

Brentford has enjoyed a solid first season in the Premier League and currently sits 14th. However, their home form has been a real strength, with notable wins over Arsenal, Manchester United, and West Ham United.

Liverpool is chasing the title and is currently second in the league, nine points behind leader Arsenal. The Reds have an almost entirely fit squad and know that dropping points could end their title aspirations.

This will be the first-ever Premier League meeting between the two clubs. When they last met in a cup match 1989, Liverpool scored 4-0 winners. However, Thomas Frank’s Brentford are a different proposition these days.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Brentford

Brentford have no new injury concerns ahead of this match. Thomas Frank is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that has worked well this season.

Predicted Lineup: Raya; Ajer, Pinnock, Mee, Henry; Janelt, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa

Liverpool

Liverpool’s only absentee is forward Diogo Jota, who remains sidelined with a calf injury. Klopp is likely to start with his strongest possible team as Liverpool aims to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table.

Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

Brentford vs Liverpool Head-to-Head and Prediction

• Liverpool have won the last three meetings against Brentford in all competitions
• However, the Bees are undefeated in their previous 6 Premier League home games
• Liverpool averaged over two goals per game away from home this season
• Mohamed Salah has six goals in his last five appearances against promoted sides

Prediction: With Liverpool’s fearsome attack up against Brentford’s stubborn defence, this game could go either way. However, the Reds’ quality should see them through if they are at their best. Brentford 1-3 Liverpool

Where to Watch Brentford vs Liverpool

UK Viewers

Today’s match will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 11:30 am GMT ahead of the 12:30 pm kickoff.

Fans without Sky Sports can get a Now TV day pass for £11.98 to access the channels.

USA Viewers

For viewers in the United States, Brentford vs Liverpool will be shown live on NBC’s Peacock Premium streaming service. Coverage starts at 7:30 am ET ahead of the 8:30 am kickoff.

Peacock Premium costs $4.99 per month.

India Viewers

The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Select 1 and HD1. Coverage starts at 5 pm IST ahead of the 6 pm kickoff.

Star Sports 1 is part of most cable and satellite packages in India. The match can also be streamed on Hotstar.

Live Stream Options

The game will be streamed live globally on LFC TV. A video pass costs £7.99 for this match.

Some regions may also have the match streamed on LFCTV GO. Check availability in your area.

Match Officials

• Referee: Michael Oliver
• Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett
• Fourth official: Andy Madley
• VAR: Jarred Gillett
• Assistant VAR: Marc Perry

Brentford vs Liverpool – Recent Meetings

• September 17 1989 – Liverpool 4-0 Brentford (League Cup)
• January 9 1989 – Brentford 0-0 Liverpool (FA Cup)
• November 19 1988 – Liverpool 2-1 Brentford (League Cup)

Historically, Liverpool has a dominant record over Brentford, with nine wins from 12 meetings in all competitions. However, the two sides last met over 30 years ago.

Brentford’s Home Form

Brentford have won 6 of their 12 home league games this season, including impressive wins over Manchester United (4-0), West Ham (2-0) and Arsenal (2-0).

Their only home defeats came against the Premier League’s current top three – Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle.

Ivan Toney has been central to their home form, scoring 8 of his 11 league goals at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Liverpool’s Away Form

Liverpool has the second-best away record in the Premier League this season.

In 12 games on the road, Jurgen Klopp’s side have won 8 and lost just 2. They’ve scored an impressive 27 goals away from Anfield.

Their only away league defeats came at Manchester United in August and at Brentford’s West London neighbours Fulham in October.

Mohamed Salah leads Liverpool’s scoring charts on the road with seven away goals. Darwin Nunez has an impressive 6 in 7 away appearances.

Key Battles

Some of the game’s key battles could determine the outcome:

Toney vs Van Dijk

Brentford’s Ivan Toney will look to dominate Virgil van Dijk with his strength and aerial ability. But Van Dijk remains one of the world’s best defenders. Who comes out on top could decide this game.

Jensen vs Fabinho

Christian Jensen has been excellent in Brentford’s midfield three this season. But he faces a tough test up against Liverpool’s Brazilian enforcer Fabinho. Jensen must limit Fabinho’s influence for Brentford to get a result.

Mbeumo vs Alexander-Arnold

Bryan Mbeumo’s pace could trouble Trent Alexander-Arnold down Brentford’s left. But Alexander-Arnold offers a substantial attacking threat himself. Whoever wins this duel could put their team in pole position.

Brentford’s Danger Men

Besides Toney up front, Brentford have several other players who can hurt Liverpool:

• Yoane Wissa – Winger has five goals in 15 Premier League starts this season. Pace and dribbling could trouble Liverpool’s fullbacks.
• Josh Dasilva is an energetic box-to-box presence who supports Brentford’s attacks. He already has three goals from midfield this campaign.
• Mathias Jensen – The Danish international controls games from a deep midfield position. He will look to dictate the tempo on Saturday.

Liverpool’s Game Changers

Liverpool have no shortage of individual talents capable of winning any match:

• Mohamed Salah – The Premier League’s top scorer this season with 17 goals. His pace, trickery and lethal finishing make him a constant threat.
• Darwin Nunez – After a slow start, the Uruguayan striker is finding form. His combination of speed and aerial ability asks constant questions of defenders.
• Cody Gakpo – Liverpool’s new signing from PSV looks an exciting prospect. He will be eager to open his account for the Reds.

Brentford vs Liverpool Prediction

This should be an entertaining, competitive game between two good footballing sides.

Brentford’s home form makes them tough to beat. But Liverpool’s array of attacking talents may prove the difference.

Back the Reds’ fearsome forward line to overpower Brentford’s defences in an exciting game.

Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Liverpool

Conclusion

Brentford hosting Liverpool promises an intriguing battle between two sides with contrasting styles. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will likely dominate possession and territory, but Thomas Frank’s Brentford are experts in soaking up pressure and hitting teams on the counterattack.

With Liverpool needing to keep winning to stay in the title race, they may have too much quality on the day. But write off Brentford at your peril, especially on their turf, where they have already claimed several notable scalps this season.

This match at the Brentford Community Stadium is sure to entertain Premier League fans across the globe. Both teams play attacking football, so expect an open, end-to-end contest with plenty of goalmouth action.