Arne Slot will have his first taste of competitive action at Anfield on Sunday as Liverpool takes on Brentford in the Premier League. Both teams started their seasons on a high note with wins in their opening games Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, while Brentford edged out Crystal Palace 2-1 at home.
In true form, Mohamed Salah scored yet again on the opening weekend, marking his ninth goal in the first match of the season. Liverpool’s match against Ipswich was a tough one at first, with the newly promoted side giving Liverpool’s defense some trouble in the first half. But as Ipswich began to tire in the second half, Liverpool took advantage, with Diogo Jota and Salah sealing the win.
This victory was significant for Slot, as he became the first Liverpool manager since Gerard Houllier in 1998 to win his opening Premier League game. Now, Slot is set to experience the electric atmosphere of Anfield in the Premier League for the first time.
Last season, under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool lost just one of their 19 Premier League home games. The Reds haven’t suffered a home defeat in the opening month of the season since a 3-0 loss to West Ham United in 2015.
After winning his debut, Slot now aims to become the first Liverpool manager to win his first two Premier League games. The last time a Liverpool manager achieved this was Graeme Souness in 1991, back when the competition was still called the First Division.
On the other side, Brentford’s head coach Thomas Frank was once considered a possible successor to Klopp. Frank’s loyalty to Brentford paid off last weekend, as his team secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Despite the absence of striker Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa stepped up, ensuring Brentford’s win and making up for Ethan Pinnock’s own goal.
Brentford did get a bit lucky when a clever free kick from Eberechi Eze was controversially disallowed, but Frank still celebrated the win, especially since it came against a London rival.
Brentford finished last season strong, winning their final away game against Bournemouth, and they’ve managed to pull off back-to-back away wins before. However, doing so at Anfield will be a massive challenge.
Brentford lost both of their games against Liverpool last season and haven’t won at Anfield since 1937. They’ve lost their last eight matches on Liverpool’s home turf.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
At Portman Road, Slot opted for Jarell Quansah over Ibrahima Konaté in the starting lineup, but he made the tough call to substitute the young Englishman at halftime. Slot later explained that the decision was due to Quansah losing a couple of key battles on the field, not because of fitness issues.
Ironically, Quansah has since picked up a training injury and is now doubtful for the weekend match. This likely means Konaté will pair up with Virgil van Dijk in defense. Aside from Quansah’s injury, Slot has a full squad to choose from.
Liverpool has yet to make any signings in the transfer window, so we can expect a similar starting lineup for their first home game of the season, with Ryan Gravenberch continuing in a deeper midfield role.
On the Brentford side, star striker Ivan Toney’s future remains uncertain, with no clear sign of a transfer to the Saudi Pro League or elsewhere, leaving his availability for the weekend in doubt.
Brentford will definitely be without four key players: Rico Henry (knee), Igor Thiago (knee), Josh Dasilva (knee), and Aaron Hickey (thigh). However, Frank is hopeful that Henry will return after the September international break.
With Toney likely sidelined, Yoane Wissa is expected to lead the attack once again. The DR Congo international is on the verge of making Premier League history by becoming the first player to score and assist in four consecutive games.
Brentford has also signed Sepp van den Berg from Liverpool, but it’s unlikely that the Dutchman will be ready to start so soon after joining.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Norgaard, Janelt, Jensen; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 2-1 Brentford
That said, Frank admitted that Brentford got a bit lucky against Crystal Palace. If they show any weaknesses at Anfield, Slot’s full-strength Liverpool is likely to capitalize and continue their perfect start to the 2024-25 season.
