Brentford v Liverpool Matchday 22 - Match Preview & Team News

Liverpool travel to Brentford on Saturday afternoon as they look to return to winning ways.

In midweek, Arne Slot’s side were held at Nottingham Forest, with Diogo Jota equalising for the Reds.

The Dutch manager has almost a full squad at his disposal with Joe Gomez the only definite absentee. However, Slot announced on Friday that Wednesday’s night goalscorer, Jota, may be unavailable too. The forward didn’t train on Thursday and will be assessed ahead of the weekend.

Meanwhile, Brentford showed tremendous character to rescue a point against Manchester City. The Bees scored two in the final ten minutes to draw 2-2 with the current champions.

Pinnock and Ajer are still out alongside record signing Igor Thiago, who is poorly. Youngster Jayden Meghoma also won’t be available as he has joined Preston on loan for the remainder of the season.

Brentford vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news

All Games Current Form

Brentford: D L W L D

It is the second time this week that Brentford welcome one of the Premier League’s heavy-hitters to West London.

On Tuesday, Thomas Frank’s outfit avoided defeat to Manchester City with a late comeback.

A second-half brace from Phil Foden had put City in control and the Bees were on course for a fourth straight home defeat.

But Yoane Wissa netted before Christian Norgaard struck past Stefan Ortega in the second minute of additional time to level the scores.

It was a positive response from Brentford, who needed to bounce back after a disappointing FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle.

All Games Current Form

Liverpool: W D L W D

Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table was reduced to four points after their draw at Nottingham Forest.

Arne Slot’s side couldn’t find the winner after Diogo Jota had cancelled out Chris Wood’s first-half goal.

Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham means the Gunners trail the Reds by four points, but Liverpool do have a game in hand.

Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-0 Brentford, Premier League, 25th August 2025

Liverpool’s first home game of the season saw them overcome Brentford back in August.

The first goal of the Arne Slot era at Anfield came from a devastating counterattack, arising from a Brentford corner.

Vitaly Janelt lost out on a tackle to Mohamed Salah, who sent Diogo Jota through. The Portuguese international found Luis Diaz who burst past Bryan Mbeumo before rifling a finish past Mark Flekken at the near post. The perfect way for the Colombian to mark a century of appearances for the club.

Thomas Frank’s side grew into the contest after falling behind but failed to trouble Alisson in the first period. After the break, Jota’s attempt at an acrobatic shot turned into a pass to Andy Robertson, but the Scotsman could only direct a header into Flekken’s midriff. Nathan Collins had the visitors’ best chance from a set-piece but his header was palmed away by Alisson.

Dominik Szoboszlai then almost scored directly from a corner which smashed the woodwork before Ibrahima Konate’s tame header.

Liverpool’s persistence was eventually rewarded as they doubled the lead with 20 minutes to play. Diaz found Salah who opened his body expertly to enable him to find the bottom corner at the Kop End.

Cody Gakpo’s deflected effort bounced off the crossbar late on as the Reds retained their perfect start to the campaign.

Predicted Line-ups

Brentford: Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry; Norgaard, Janelt, Yarmolyuk; Mbeumo, Wissa, Damsgaard

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.

Matchday referee

Andy Madley will be the match official. He will be assisted by Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor while Farai Hallam will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Paul Tierney and he will be assisted by Dan Robathan.

Brentford vs Liverpool will not be televised live in the UK.

Kick-off at the Gtech Community Stadium will be at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 18th January 2025.

My Match Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Liverpool

Carabao Cup Preview - Southampton v Liverpool

Southampton vs Liverpool: Carabao Cup Preview, Kick-off Time, Team News and Predictions

Liverpool continue their quest to defend the Carabao Cup title as they travel to Southampton this evening. Under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds are building momentum, with recent results underlining their dominance this season. However, a trip to St Mary’s is rarely straightforward, especially for a Saints side desperate for a positive response after a harrowing defeat.

This clash comes at a pivotal time for both clubs. Liverpool, chasing silverware across multiple fronts, are expected to rotate with upcoming Premier League challenges in mind. Southampton, reeling from a humiliating 5-0 home loss to Tottenham and managerless following Russell Martin’s departure, face the unenviable task of halting Liverpool’s progress. Sinom Rush will be the caretaker manager for tonights match.

St Mary’s has often been a fortress for Southampton, but the challenge of taking on a full-strength Liverpool will test every bit of their resilience. Liverpool fans, meanwhile, will be keen to see if Slot’s side can navigate their defensive frailties and secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Team News: Injuries and Suspensions

Southampton remain short of options in goal, with Aaron Ramsdale sidelined and Alex McCarthy set to deputise again. Jack Stephens continues his suspension, leaving Jan Bednarek as the likely anchor in defence. Nathan Wood’s impressive showing against Spurs, albeit under difficult circumstances, may see him retain his place. Meanwhile, Adam Armstrong remains key to Southampton’s attack, tasked with capitalising on any rare Liverpool defensive lapses.

For Liverpool, injuries continue to dictate their squad rotation. Andy Robertson’s suspension comes as little surprise, given his recent fitness concerns, while defensive options Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, and Kostas Tsimikas remain unavailable. Diogo Jota remains a doubt after suffering a minor setback in his recovery.

The return of Federico Chiesa to the squad is a potential boost, as the Italian forward featured on the bench during the weekend’s draw with Fulham. Arne Slot, however, will watch the action from the stands after accumulating three yellow cards this season.

Southampton in Crisis Mode

Southampton enter this fixture under immense pressure following their capitulation against Tottenham. All five goals came in a disastrous first half, leading to Russell Martin’s sacking. With no new manager appointed ahead of Wednesday’s fixture, interim guidance will have to suffice.

Saints supporters will hope their team can summon the kind of defiance that often accompanies upheaval, particularly in front of a home crowd. Whether they can resist Liverpool’s relentless press and attacking quality remains doubtful, but adversity sometimes fuels a determined response.

Liverpool Likely to Rotate but Should Progress

Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham at the weekend demonstrated their offensive power but also highlighted ongoing defensive vulnerabilities. With a busy festive schedule on the horizon, Arne Slot is likely to make changes, giving fringe players an opportunity to impress.

Nevertheless, the depth of Liverpool’s squad ensures they remain favourites for the clash. Their fluid attacking options – led by the likes of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and potentially Federico Chiesa – are expected to expose Southampton’s fragile backline. With or without their first-choice defenders, Liverpool will aim to dominate possession and create chances with their high-tempo style.

Prediction: Southampton vs Liverpool

Southampton’s morale will have been severely tested after the weekend’s thrashing, and Liverpool’s quality will only compound their struggles. Although the Saints might rally with a spirited display under the lights, Liverpool’s superior quality should prove decisive.

Expect the visitors to rotate their squad but still maintain enough attacking firepower to secure a convincing win. A repeat of Southampton’s weekend woes is unlikely, but Liverpool are tipped to advance comfortably.

Prediction: Liverpool to win 4-0.

Liverpool’s dominance in recent meetings has been clear, with their attacking flair often overwhelming the Saints. Southampton must defy both history and form to pull off an upset here.

Onefootball

Liverpool v Real Madrid - Match Preview

Liverpool welcome Real Madrid to Anfield for a huge heavyweight clash in the Champions League group stages.

It has been an excellent start to life as Liverpool manager for Arne Slot, both domestically and in Europe. The Reds lead the Premier League by eight points and have enjoyed a perfect start to the Champions League. They are the only side in the tournament to have picked up maximum points, meaning another victory would leave them in a very strong position to advance to the knockout stages.

Standing in their way is Real Madrid, who have had an underwhelming season so far. However, they trail their rivals Barcelona by just four points with a game in hand, though have work to do in Europe. After four games, Real sit in 18th with just six points. They have already suffered two defeats and cannot afford fall to another if they want to remain in contention for the top eight. As it stands, they are in a play-off spot.

Despite the signing of Kylian Mbappe in the summer, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not been as dominant as expected. The Frenchman has scored eight goals across the two competitions, but faces the second-toughest defence in the tournament. Liverpool have conceded just one goal in Europe, form they have also displayed in the league. Their eight goals allowed is by far the best in the Premier League.

However, the visitors have more than enough talent to trouble their opponents. Jude Bellingham is always a threat, and he has now scored in two consecutive games.

At the other end, Liverpool are just as strong. Mo Salah has delivered another fantastic campaign with ten league goals and another in Europe. Luis Diaz has also contributed eight across both competitions. They should be confident in scoring against a Real Madrid defence who have not yet kept a clean sheet in the Champions League.

This will be the 12th meeting between these two European giants, but it is Real Madrid who possess the superior record. Liverpool have won three fixtures though have not recorded victory since 2009. They are currently amidst an eight-game winless streak against their opponents which includes seven losses. The most recent game was in March 2023 when the pair faced off in the Champions League Round of 16. The Spaniards were 1-0 winners with Karim Benzema on target to advance 6-2 on aggregate.

Premier League Matchday 12 - Southampton v Liverpool Match Preview

Leaders Liverpool return to domestic action away at Southampton on Sunday.

It has largely been smooth sailing for Arne Slot in his opening few months in charge of the Reds.

The Dutchman has won 15 of his 17 games in charge of the club thus far, ensuring the standards remain very high indeed despite the departure of an icon in Jurgen Klopp.

The 2-0 win over Aston Villa earlier this month sent the Reds five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and they will be expected to claim yet another victory on Sunday.

Southampton have struggled since their promotion from the Championship, winning only one of their opening 11 games. Beaten by relegation rivals Wolves last time out, they’re up against it here.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Southampton vs Liverpool is scheduled for a 2pm GMT kick-off time on Sunday 24 November, 2024.

St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton will host.

Where to watch Southampton vs Liverpool

TV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

Southampton vs Liverpool team news

Saints will need to assess Aaron Ramsdale after he pulled out of the England squad over the international break with an injury. Flynn Downes could not play against Wolves and will also require assessment.

Will Smallbone, Ross Stewart, Ryan Fraser are all doubts for the hosts, while Jan Bednarek and Gavin Bazunu are injured.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have recently welcomed back Alisson Becker but it remains to be seen if the Brazilian can oust the impressive Caoimhin Kelleher in goal just yet. Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled out of the England squad over the international break, though there is hope he can feature here.

Slot will provide updates on Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott when speaking at his pre-match press conference later this week.

Southampton vs Liverpool prediction

Liverpool have dropped only two points on the road all season, while Saints have lost three of their five home games thus far.

The omens are not promising for the hosts.

Liverpool to win, 3-0.

Head to head (h2h)

Southampton wins: 31

Draws: 26

Liverpool wins: 62

Champions League Matchday 2 - Liverpool v Bologna Matchday Preview

Bologna boss makes 'remarkable' Liverpool claim ahead of Champions League clash

Liverpool will take part in their first Champions League home game of the season on Wednesday evening

Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano has acknowledged his team must be perfect if they are to gain a positive result from Wednesday's Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The Reds will host the Serie A side at Anfield having already beaten a team from the Italian top-flight in AC Milan - and will be hoping for a similar scoreline on this occasion.

Bologna unexpectedly claimed a Champions League spot last season and kicked off their campaign in the competition with a 0-0 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk last week.

Their most recent result, a 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Saturday, saw Bologna hold on for a share of the spoils despite going down to ten men in the 51st minute of the match. Liverpool, meanwhile, won at Wolves to go top of the Premier League.

Aware his players will have to be at their very best to beat the Reds, with little room for error, Italiano admitted: "This team has to take it one game at a time, there was Atalanta today who are another Champions League team and last season won the Europa League. From tomorrow we’ll see who is in good shape, who can recover and prepare for yet another battle.

“We know there are mistakes we made today that we cannot afford to make again, as Liverpool’s strikers are so efficient and we’ll be in a remarkable atmosphere of Anfield.”

Opening up on the challenge coming Liverpool's way on Wednesday and in the coming weeks, Arne Slot said: "Two years ago was the last time we played [in the] Champions League and we all know what kind of a season that was. Last season we had a much better season, but then every time Virgil [van Dijk] and all these other players got a rest during the week and could play once a week.

"So, that's a completely different situation than playing Champions League during the week against a very tough and hard opponent and then playing Arsenal and then playing Aston Villa and then playing all these top teams that we're going to face after the next international break. For us, there's still – I've said it many times – there's a lot to prove, especially if you look back at the season two years ago and it's still almost completely the same group."

Via liverpool Echo

AC Milan v Liverpool - Match Preview

Liverpool have plenty of respect for Italian side AC Milan but the Premier League club will not be intimidated when the two European giants face-off in their Champions League opener at San Siro, head coach Arne Slot said on Monday.

While Liverpool's transition from the Juergen Klopp era had appeared seamless when they began the season with three league wins without conceding a goal, they are now looking to put behind Saturday's stunning 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Eyeing a seventh European crown, standing in Liverpool's way are seven-times winners Milan. The Italian side have not been in their best form in Serie A and are languishing mid-table with five points from four matches. But Paulo Fonseca's side remains a formidable side.

"I don't think any manager is scared to play the other team but we have a lot of respect for AC Milan," Slot told reporters ahead of Tuesday's clash.

"They have quality, we're not scared, but we respect all their players. They have shown that they are in good form, with a very good 4-0 win (against Venezia in Serie A on Saturday).

"Scared is not the word we would use. We respect a lot."

Liverpool's new signing Federico Chiesa will likely not start against Milan, Slot said while heaping praise on the 26-year-old Italy forward.

Chiesa is yet to play for the Merseyside club, having joined in the close-season transfer window from Italian giants Juventus.

"Why we brought him... I bring in quality players and I believe he is. Combines quality with work rate and the culture of this club, this team, he brings that with combinations of several positions," the Dutchman said.

"He is with the team, and since I said it is the first time he is here, it would be a big surprise if he starts tomorrow... But he will make some minutes if we need him.

"He's had some training time and too early to play 90 minutes, but hopefully some minutes in the upcoming fixtures."

Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker is excited to play in the Champions League as the club returns to the competition after a season's absence.

"Imagine something you really like to do and then you don't do it for a year, how much you'd be looking forward to doing it again. That's the way we feel," Alisson, who helped Liverpool win the tournament in 2019, said.

"Playing in the Champions League is one of the reasons I came to Europe from Brazil. Not playing in it last season was really hard.

"But here we are again, qualifying from a really difficult league in the Premier League."

From ESPN