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Brentford vs Liverpool – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 25th October 2025

Venue: Gtech Community Stadium

Kick-off: 20:00 BST

Liverpool return to Premier League action buoyed by a confidence-restoring 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek — a result that not only snapped a dismal four-game losing streak but also reignited belief in Arne Slot’s evolving side. The challenge now is to prove that performance wasn’t a European anomaly, but a recalibration of sorts.

The Reds travel south to face Keith Andrew’s Brentford — a team whose collective tenacity and tactical cohesion have made them one of the league’s toughest home opponents, though now without the departed Thomas Frank. While the hosts lack the continental glamour of Frankfurt, their compact press, direct transitions, and ruthless set-piece execution often expose structural flaws in the opposition, which has been the Achilles heel of the reigning English champions.

Liverpool sit third in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal, and will know that anything less than three points risks losing further ground in a title race already beginning to take shape. A fourth straight domestic loss would end any hopes of a title charge as this division would not allow anyone to recover from such a poor start.

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Brentford Availability

Keith Andrew’s Bees enter this clash with a mix of optimism and irritation. Results have fluctuated, though performances continue to suggest a team capable of unsettling the division’s elite. Brentford’s mid-block discipline and sharp attacking transitions remain central to their approach — and against a Liverpool side that thrives on territorial control, they will aim to exploit any defensive lapses in behind. A recent 0-2 away win over London rivals, West Ham, came after an expected 0-1 loss to visiting Manchester City. A superb 3-1 home win over Manchester United came before that, as the overachieving side sits 13th in the table with a ten-point return after eight games.

Key absentees include Antoni Milambo and Edmond-Paris Maghoma, with Aaron Hickey perhaps ready for a place on the bench. Igor Thiago will offer a definitive threat up top as the flanks of the hosts will look to exploit visiting full-backs that are underwhelming this season.

Predicted Brentford Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher

RB: Michael Kayode

RCB: Nathan Collins

LCB: Kristoffer Ajer

LB: Keane Lewis-Potter

CM: Vitaly Janelt

CM: Jordan Henderson

ACM: Mathias Jensen

RW: Dango Ouattara

CF: Igor Thiago

LW: Kevin Shade

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Liverpool Availability

After a cathartic Champions League win, Arne Slot is unlikely to make sweeping changes. Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Florian Wirtz all starred in Frankfurt, and their combined dynamism, control, and creativity should ensure continuity in midfield and attack.

Jeremie Frimpong’s fitness remains uncertain after a hamstring issue forced him off midweek, meaning Conor Bradley could be recalled at right-back. Andy Robertson should keep his place after an assured display in Germany, while Virgil van Dijk’s leadership will again be crucial against a physical Brentford front line. Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch are doubts.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB: Conor Bradley

RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Curtis Jones

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai

AM: Florian Wirtz

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Hugo Ekitike

LW: Cody Gakpo

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The Tactical Picture

This fixture will test whether Liverpool’s fluidity in Germany was a spark or a turning point. Slot’s new-look midfield finally clicked in midweek, with Jones and Szoboszlai providing balance and bite, allowing Wirtz to roam creatively between the lines. Maintaining that structure against Brentford’s compact shape will be key.

The hosts, meanwhile, will attempt to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm with physical duels and long diagonals. Igor Thiago and Shade thrive on broken phases of play — and with Brentford’s aerial strength, defensive concentration from Van Dijk and Konaté will be essential.

Expect Liverpool to dominate possession and attempt to suffocate the game in the middle third. The key battle could come on the flanks, where Salah and Gakpo must turn tight spaces into opportunities.

Player to Watch: Curtis Jones

The Scouser was superb in Frankfurt — crisp in possession, assertive off the ball, and instrumental in Liverpool’s midfield resurgence. If he carries that form into this domestic test, the balance Arne Slot has sought since August might finally be within reach.

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Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Brentford 2 – 2 Liverpool

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