Liverpool’s Upcoming Premier League Clash: A Brentford Perspective
As the Premier League season gears up, Liverpool fans eagerly anticipate each match, but the upcoming clash against Brentford promises to be a significant test. In this week’s episode of the Rival Recon Podcast on Anfield Index, host Hari Sethi sat down with Brentford fan Mike Johnston to discuss Brentford’s form, their Premier League journey, and what to expect from their upcoming match against Liverpool.
Brentford’s Premier League Journey
Brentford’s rise in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. Mike Johnston highlighted the challenges the club faced last season, describing it as their “toughest campaign in the Premier League since coming up.” Injuries plagued the squad, particularly in key positions like fullback, which left them vulnerable. Johnston emphasized that Brentford “conceded the most headers in the Premier League last season,” pointing to their defensive struggles. Despite these challenges, Brentford managed to secure a 15th-place finish, a testament to their resilience.
Defensive Reinforcements Key for Brentford
Looking ahead to the current season, Johnston stressed that Brentford’s primary focus has been on shoring up their defence. “Defending our box… was a big problem for us last season,” he noted, attributing this issue to the absence of first-choice fullbacks. However, the recent signing of defender SE Fen Berg has given Brentford fans hope. Johnston expressed optimism, stating, “Once we’ve got those two fullbacks back in place, and we’ve got cover across the defensive line… I’m positive about this season.”
The Dynamic Front Three
Brentford’s attack has always been a strong point, and Johnston is confident that their front three will cause problems for any team, including Liverpool. He praised the dynamic trio of Kevin Sharda, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa, stating, “That front three is so dynamic and so fluid… they can cause any team’s problems.” While Brentford will miss the presence of Ivan Toney due to his ban, Johnston believes that the current front three are more than capable of stepping up.
Liverpool’s Tactical Challenge
From a Liverpool perspective, this match presents a tactical challenge. Brentford is known for their physicality and well-drilled set-piece routines. As Johnston pointed out, “Liverpool fans will think… you probably won’t want to do that because they’re two small figures… despite their talents.” He was referring to the possibility of fielding smaller midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott against Brentford’s imposing lineup.
Brentford’s approach to the game will likely involve sitting deep and hitting Liverpool on the counter-attack. Johnston noted that manager Thomas Frank tends to adopt a more pragmatic approach against top-six teams, opting for a back five and relying on counter-attacks. He mentioned, “I’m fully expecting a back five, soak up the pressure, and then utilise that front three to get ourselves out of those defensive situations.”
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Predictions and Expectations
As for the match itself, Johnston is hopeful but realistic. He acknowledged the strength of Liverpool’s squad but believes that Brentford has what it takes to make the game difficult for the Reds. “Whenever Brentford and Liverpool meet, it’s always a pretty entertaining game,” he remarked, emphasizing that Brentford will certainly have their chances.
Ultimately, this match will be a test of Liverpool’s ability to break down a well-organized and resilient Brentford side. For Brentford, it’s an opportunity to prove that they can compete with the Premier League’s elite, even without some of their key players. As Johnston aptly put it, “It’s going to be a good game, more than anything else.”
This episode of the Rival Recon Podcast provides valuable insights into what both Liverpool and Brentford fans can expect from the upcoming clash. With Brentford’s defensive reinforcements and dynamic attack and Liverpool’s tactical adjustments under new management, this promises to be a fascinating encounter in the Premier League.
