Game Week 9 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Brentford

Liverpool face Brentford at G-Tech Stadium. After a big midweek win, can Slot’s Reds stay in the title race? Brentford aim for another upset.

 

Liverpool's recovery from a mini slump is well and truly on but, they must overcome Brentford, who has their former captain in the middle of the park. (Photo credit: Opta)

Brentford vs Liverpool

G-Tech Community Stadium

8:00pm

The final fixture of the day would be at the G-Tech Community Stadium where Liverpool could be kicking the ball from outside the top four if some teams around them pick results earlier in the day.

The champions returned to winning ways after beating Frankfurt 5-1 away from home, a game that saw Florian Wirtz showing the kind of form that earned him the big money move over the summer, is it a comfort zone thing?

Brentford took West Ham to the cleaners on Monday Night Football, it was a huge result that took them five points clear of the red zone and, should they earn anything at home against Liverpool, it would mean a lot to their survival charge.

Brentford has already claimed big scalps this season; the Bees drew 2-2 with Chelsea and beat Manchester United on this ground recently, they would hope to draw inspiration from those games when they face the champions.

Arne Slot has been saying a lot of things in the media, is the pressure getting to him? From complaining about Arsenal’s set pieces, to criticizing United’s long ball approach and then to his jabs at Newcastle as a “small club” following Alexander Isak’s form, can he focus on his squad for a moment?

A run of four straight losses has been snapped, now Liverpool must make sure they win this one to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal who doesn’t play until Sunday. A loss could see Liverpool slip completely out of the top four considering how close some teams are to them.

In fact, a shock win for Brentford sees the Bees close the gap on the champions to just two points, that wouldn’t look good on Slot and his Kops but, they remain the favorite to win at the G-Tech Stadium, now they must ensure they don’t give bookies a filled day.

Will Mohammed Salah start this one or sit on the bench as he did in midweek? At his age, his minutes should be rightly managed and it shouldn’t be a big deal, playing twice a weak isn’t ideal for him anymore and, that could help Slot to play two up top.

Igor Thiago has been immense for Brentford and so is Django Outtarra. If the Bees are going to do anything special in this game, you can’t look beyond the two to do the damage. The midfield battle will be key with Gravenberch set to be assessed alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Liverpool must win.

Verdict: Liverpool to win.