Liverpool return to home soil this weekend as Arne Slot takes charge of his first competitive contest at Anfield.
Thomas Frank and Brentford are the visitors, with both teams aiming to build on winning starts to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Liverpool won more home points than any other team in the Premier League last season and strong form at Anfield will be crucial to their season’s ambitions.
Liverpool vs Brentford – Predicted lineup and team news
Liverpool team news
Liverpool head into the clash with Brentford with doubts over Jarell Quansah and Ryan Gravenberch. Slot confirmed the former has picked up ‘a bit of an injury’ during his pre-match press conference this week and Quansah did not take part in Friday’s training session.
The 21-year-old was substituted at half-time of the 2-0 win at Ipswich Town last weekend, with Slot explaining that Ibrahima Konate’s duel-winning was introduced in a bid to help the Reds gain control at Portman Road. Given Brentford’s aerial threat and Quansah’s issue, Konate is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
“I believe in the talent within this group, and it is our job to make sure that we continue to work hard and to improve each and every day.” 💬
Read Van Dijk’s first programme notes of the 24/25 #PL season ⤵️ #LIVBRE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 24, 2024
Gravenberch also failed to take part in Friday’s training session in a blow to the Dutch midfielder. The 22-year-old is aiming to earn a more regular role after a mixed debut season at Liverpool and has shown encouraging signs in a deeper midfield role.
Liverpool’s failure to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad could open up an opportunity for Gravenberch to stake his claim as Slot’s number six. However, he is a doubt to face the Bees this weekend. Jayden Danns remains out with a back problem.
Diogo Jota should retain his place at centre-forward despite competition from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, after the Portugal international opened the scoring at Ipswich. Jota was a lively presence during pre-season and will hope his early-season form can lead to a regular role as Liverpool’s number nine under Slot.
Liverpool are the only team in the Premier League yet to make a first-team signing, following the failed pursuit for Zubimendi. A deep-lying midfielder remains a focus for the Reds recruitment team, while Liverpool have also been linked with signing a centre-back amid Joe Gomez’s reported desire to explore his options before the transfer deadline. Gomez was left out of the squad to face Ipswich last weekend. Liverpool are pushing to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili, though the Georgian goalkeeper will remain on loan at Valencia for at least one season, should the deal be completed.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Brentford
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Liverpool TV channel and kick-off time
Liverpool vs Brentford will take place at Anfield on Sunday 25th August. Fans in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event with coverage starting from 4pm BST. Kick-off is 4:30pm.
