Liverpool vs Brentford: Reds may have to work for win against determined visitors
Mo Salah and Sadio Made were badly missed in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal in midweek. Planet Sport looks ahead to the Liverpool's must-win game against the newly-promoted Bees.
Liverpool were held to a draw in a six-goal thriller at the Brentford Community Stadium back in September and have managed just two points from the last nine.
This is a must-win game for Jurgen Klopp's men if they are to have any hope of catching Manchester City at the top but Brentford will be no pushovers.
When: Sunday, January 16, 14:00 GMT
Where: Anfield
Who is the ref for Liverpool v Brentford
Jon Moss, owner of the 'Vinyl Whistle' record shop in Headingley, will be hearing a live rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' for the first time in nearly two years.
The last game he took charge of at Anfield was a 3-2 win for Liverpool in 2020 while his only Reds game this season was the Merseysiders' 5-0 victory at Watford.
He's shown three reds cards in his last five Premier League matches and no top-flight ref this season has sent off more players than Moss's four.
Season stats 2021/22: Premier League matches (12), yellows (27), red (4), penalties (4)
Recent form
While they've reeled off four straight top-flight wins at home, the Reds have not got it done in 90 minutes against the last two Premier League visitors, drawing Carabao Cup games with Leicester (3-3, went through on penalties) and 0-0 against 10-man Arsenal.
They've also taken just one point in nine in the Premier League after a pair of 2-2 draws at Tottenham and Chelsea either side of a 1-0 loss at Leicester.
Brentford have lost three of their last four Premier League games and succumbed to a heavy 4-1 defeat at Southampton in midweek.
Liverpool and Brentford players in form
With Mo Salah away on AFCON duty, their form player won't be available. Diogo Jota is the Premier League's second-top goalscorer with 10 although he hasn't netted in his last three outings.
Bryan Mbeumo bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 FA Cup win at Port Vale so has four in his last five games when adding in a goal in the 2-1 home win over Watford three games earlier. He's a fitness doubt however.
Last three matches
Brentford 3-3 Liverpool (September 25, 2021)
Liverpool 4-0 Brentford (March 18, 1989)
Liverpool 4-0 Brentford (October 25, 1983)
Head-to-head record
Manager's thoughts
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: "Brentford are a team who have a specific way to play, especially against us. They are pretty direct.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: "I've been there a few times, it's an unbelievable atmosphere.
"Of course (missing duo) Mane and Salah are two world-class players. I still think they have good players in Jota, Firmino, Minamino and Jones."
Predicted Liverpool v Brentford teams
Liverpool's midfield three of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho struggled to create against Arsenal so Curtis Jones, who impressed as a sub, could start. Thiago is still unavailable
Possible Liverpool starting line-up: Alisson, N Williams, Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Konate, Henderson, Fabinho, Jones, Minamino, Jota, Firmino.
Possible Brentford line-up: Fernandez, Ajer, Pinnock, Jansson, Roerslev, Janelt, Norgaard, Henry, Jensen, Wissa, Toney.