Brentford vs Liverpool: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players

Brentford host Liverpool in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

The Bees recorded a 2-0 win at West Ham United on Monday evening – their first victory on the road this term.

By contrast, Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, extending their Premier League losing streak to three games.

Match preview

Brentford have had a good start to the season, despite the pessimism that followed the appointment of manager Keith Andrews.

They have secured victories over Manchester United and Aston Villa and will be confident of getting a positive result against Liverpool.

The Reds ended their four-game losing streak across all competitions with a convincing 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Liverpool rediscovered their attacking spark against Frankfurt, but still looked vulnerable defensively.

The Merseyside outfit must secure a victory to keep pace with table-toppers Arsenal.

Head-to-head

Liverpool have won 15, drawn four and lost four of their previous 23 meetings with the Bees.

Team news

Aaron Hickey should be back for Brentford, while Edmond-Paris Maghoma is doubtful. Antoni Milambo is ruled out for the rest of the season.

Liverpool could be without Alexander Isak, who sustained a groin injury in Frankfurt. Jeremie Frimpong, Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni are ruled out.

Key players

Brentford

Igor Thiago: Only Erling Braut Haaland (11) and Antoine Semenyo (six) have scored more than the Brazilian’s five league goals this season.

Mikkel Damsgaard: The Denmark international has been Brentford’s most consistent midfielder this season.

Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk: The Dutchman returned to his best against Frankfurt, winning the Man-of-the-Match award.

Cody Gakpo: Gakpo is the Reds’ most in-form forward, scoring in the last three games across all competitions.

Stats from sofascore.com & 11v11.com.