Liverpool aim for just their second win of the new year on Saturday when they visit Brentford in the Premier League.
The Reds’ only triumph in 2025 came last weekend against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, with defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final sandwiched between frustrating draws with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Liverpool’s mini-blip saw them leave the door open to title rivals Arsenal.
They hope to rediscover their best form at the Gtech Community Stadium, a venue where they have struggled before. They won 4-1 in west London last season but were convincingly beaten the previous season after drawing 3-3 on their first away trip to the ground in 2021/22. Brentford have a strong record at home this term and are not to be underestimated.
Here’s how Liverpool could be in line for the weekend.
GK: Alisson – The Brazilian has been uncharacteristically exposed by the defense in recent weeks, with just one clean sheet in his last seven games. Brentford are the division’s top scorers at home, meaning they are likely to be busy again this weekend.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – After appearing in the FA Cup last weekendAlexander-Arnold offered a mediocre performance at best against Forest in midweek. The 26-year-old’s defensive shortcomings have been exposed in recent outings, and his usually impeccable passing radar has been slightly skewed.
CB: Ibrahima Konata – Konate struggled on his return from a month-long injury lay-off and the Frenchman’s poor positioning allowed Forest to score the first goal on Tuesday. He will have to improve against the lively Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeum.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – The Liverpool captain has been exasperated by his defensive team-mates during recent games, often isolated from those around him. He got a rare break last weekend in the FA Cup.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – Greek defender assisted with the first touch off the bench against Forest, taking a precise corner which was converted by Diogo Jota. Andy Robertson endured another disappointing night and Tsimikas should start at Brentford.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Gravenberch started all 20 of Liverpool’s games Premier League games and was typically graceful and combative last time out at the City Ground. His protection of the back four could prove crucial at Gtech.
DM: Alexis McAllister – Mac Allister has been in impressive form over the past month, even as Liverpool have stumbled a bit. The Reds rely on him for creativity and he should have plenty of space to operate on Saturday.
RW: Mohamed Salah – A rare gap for the relentless Salah in midweek, though he did see a late effort cleared off the line. The Egyptian fought back as Forest sat deep and doubled him, but Brentford’s fiery approach should work in his favor this time.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – Szoboszlai has been sorely missed in recent games but made his Premier League return against Forest. It was a spirited display from the Hungarians, although they struggled to break open a stubborn defensive unit.
LW: Cody Gakpo – Gakpo scored 12 goals and provided four assists this season and looks certain to improve on last season’s results. Brentford’s defensive problems and injury problems at right-back should encourage the Dutchman.
ST: Luis Diaz – More doubts about Diogo Jota’s injury should open up a starting spot for Luis Diaz through the middle.
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