Liverpool play their first Premier League fixture at Anfield under Arne Slot as the Dutch manager looks to build on an encouraging start to his tenure.
Brentford are the visitors to conclude the second weekend of the league season with both clubs bidding for back-to-back wins. The Slot era began in fine fashion last Saturday as the new Liverpool boss oversaw a strong performance against Ipswich, producing a couple of key half-time tactical tweaks to help secure a 2-0 win. Their hunt for a first summer signing continues but Slot has shown confidence in his squad by redeploying a couple of familiar faces to try to get the best out of his exisiting group.
Thomas Frank’s side also got up and running with three points as Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa again showed that they can step up in the absence of Ivan Toney. The England striker appears to be headed for the exit after his omission from the squad against Crystal Palace, though no deal has yet been completed. Brentford have, however, secured a second signing of the summer from Liverpool, with Sepp van den Berg following Fabio Carvalho from Merseyside to London.
Follow all of the action from today’s Premier League encounter below:
How a data ‘nerd’ helped Liverpool win the Premier League
So a first home game in charge for Arne Slot today, but how did Jurgen Klopp transform the club into Premier League winners? Liverpool’s former head of data, Ian Graham, has written a book about his time at Anfield, with plenty of fascinating titbits:
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 16:05
Liverpool vs Brentford
Brentford having scored at Anfield on their last five visits to Merseyside. You do think there may be opportunities to get at this Liverpool side today, though, with the hosts very much still adjusting to life under Arne Slot. Ipswich had a handful of early chances last week and both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa looked buzzy and bright against Crystal Palace.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:55
Liverpool vs Brentford
We’ll see exactly how Brentford line up at kick off, but Thomas Frank used a five-at-the-back formation at Anfield last November, and has the versatility within his side today to shift into that shape if required. That might mean Keane Lewis-Potter at wing-back rather than up in the front three.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:45
Liverpool vs Brentford
Curtis Jones might hope to contend for a pace in that Liverpool midfield at some point this season, but is absent today with what the club describe as a “minor issue”.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:37
Liverpool vs Brentford
An unchanged Liverpool midfield should see Ryan Gravenberch once more operate from slightly deeper. The Dutchman showed encouraging signs in that position a week ago and could be a key figure to Liverpool’s evolution, as Karl Matchett explained:
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:33
Liverpool vs Brentford
There is, as expected, no Ivan Toney in the Brentford squad as negotiations continue over a possible move away from the club.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:23
Team news – Brentford
And there’s a single switch from Thomas Frank, too – the Brentford boss throws Keane Lewis-Potter into his starting line-up. New recruit Sepp van den Berg, signed from Liverpool this week, makes the bench.
Brentford XI: Flekken; Roeslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Janelt, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Wissa, Lewis-Potter.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:19
Team news – Liverpool
A single change for Liverpool as Ibrahima Konate comes in to the central defensive two after his half-time introduction last weekend.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:16
Team news on the way…
Will it be two settled sides after opening weekend wins, or will either manager throw a selection curveball? The team news from Anfield is imminent…
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:12
Brentford firm on Ivan Toney transfer fee – despite no takers in Premier League
Miguel Delaney,The Independent’s chief football writer, reported earlier this week that Brentford are holding firm on a high price for their striker, limiting the list of potential destinations.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2024 15:00