Brentford vs Liverpool: Big Selection Decisions for Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool travel to London to face Brentford in the 12:30pm kick-off on Saturday, in a clash that could prove pivotal at both ends of the Premier League table. A victory for the Reds would provisionally move them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. In contrast, a victory for Brentford would move them nine points above the relegation zone.
With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip and Kostas Tsimikas expected to be absent, Klopp will have to make a few key decisions. There are some slight positives with Mohamed Salah, Conor Bradley, Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez returning to training during the week.
Today we’re going to be discussing our predicted starting lineup ahead of Saturday’s crucial game.
Alisson Back-er
Liverpool’s first-choice keeper Alisson Becker is expected to return to Liverpool’s starting lineup on Saturday. Caomhin Kelleher’s performance against Burnley was impressive, which he can hopefully carry into the Carabao Cup final next weekend.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold picking up another knee injury, Conor Bradley is expected to return to Liverpool’s starting lineup. The youngster will be partnered by Andy Robertson on the opposite side, providing more recovery time for Joe Gomez as he returns from illness.
Virgil Van Dijk will remain at the heart of Klopp’s back-line, with the returning Ibou Konate coming back into the side. Jarrell Quansah will drop to the bench, but could play an important role in the Reds’ home fixture against Luton Town on Wednesday.
Verdict- Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
More Of The Same
Despite Harvey Elliott’s second-half heroics against Burnley last week, I expect Klopp to go with the same midfield three that started last time out. Wataru Endo will start at the base of the midfield, following an impressive performance in his return to the side.
Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones will partner each other ahead of the Japanese midfielder, creating a largely industrial yet creative midfield combination. Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch will both provide quality and depth from the bench, with both eyeing an opportunity in Wednesday’s starting lineup.
Verdict: Endo, Mac Allister, Jones
Jurgen’s Flying Frontmen
Mohamed Salah’s return from injury provides Klopp with a much-needed boost to his attacking ranks. Over recent weeks, the likes of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have played a huge amount of minutes, with Cody Gakpo contributing mostly from the bench.
With that being said, I don’t expect to see Salah making an immediate return to the Liverpool starting lineup. Lessons have surely been learned from the decisions to rush Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai and with a cup final on the horizon, the same risk can’t be took on Salah.
Therefore, I expect Nunez, Jota and Diaz to lead the line for the Reds once again with Salah potentially coming on for the last half an hour.
Verdict: Jota, Nunez, Diaz
LFC Starting XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Endo, Mac Allister, Jones, Jota, Nunez, Diaz
Subs: Kelleher, Quansah, Gomez, McConnell, Clark, Gravenberch, Elliott, Gakpo, Salah