Arne Slot makes two changes and 'poor' player is finally dropped: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Brentford
Today at 02:00 PM
Liverpool need to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after two consecutive draws.
The Reds have left the door open for Arsenal to creep within four points of them at the top of the table.
Another difficult fixture awaits on Saturday afternoon as Liverpool head to face Brentford for a 3pm kick-off.
The Reds were convincing winners at the Gtech Community Stadium last season and here’s the XI we think Arne Slot will send out in the hope of replicating that victory.
Defence
Some supporters have been critical of Alisson Becker since his return from injury in December. And although there is little doubt that Alisson must improve going forward, he will start again here.
So too will Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was one of Liverpool’s better performers against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
Ibrahima Konate had a slightly difficult night at the City Ground, but the Frenchman needs to play his way into fitness and with Tuesday’s Champions League game with Lille giving him chance for a rest, he should start next to Virgil van Dijk in West London.
The big decision for Slot is set to come at left-back. Andy Robertson was dreadful against Forest, with Kostas Tsimikas instantly showing why he is now Liverpool’s first-choice. Robertson has been ‘poor’ for a while now and Saturday should give Tsimikas his first Premier League start since November the 2nd.
Midfield
As Liverpool can likely afford to rest a few for Tuesday’s Champions League game at Anfield, we predict that he’ll go strong at Brentford.
Dominik Szoboszlai is still regaining full match fitness after his bout of illness and Saturday is another chance to get vital minutes into his legs. He’ll start.
Next to him it feels fairly routine that Slot will opt to go with both Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, as per usual.
Attack
Liverpool’s attack has been thrown into a mini turmoil after the news that Diogo Jota is set to miss the Brentford game through injury.
Jota was the key man against Forest after coming off the bench and it’s a real shame that he is once again unavailable.
Instead, we think Slot has little choice but to restore faith in Darwin Nunez, who scored a lovely goal on this ground last season.
Mohamed Salah is on a small goal drought but will of course go again, while we think a difficult choice between Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo will see the Dutchman win out.
