Liverpool vs Brentford Prediction & Betting Tips (25 August)

Liverpool failed to keep up the pace in the title fight against City and Arsenal, but still qualified for the Champions League by securing a solid 3rd place. Undermined by several injuries, the Reds finally faltered after a promising start to the season. The departure of their legendary manager Klopp was marked by a late season unbeaten run, with wins over Tottenham 4-2 and Wolves 2-0, as well as draws against West Ham 2-2 and Aston Villa 3-3. Additionally, they won the EFL Cup final against Chelsea 1-0, reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the semi-finals of the Europa League. During their summer preparation, the Anfield players remained unbeaten in five matches, with four victories against Real Betis 1-0, Arsenal 2-1, Manchester United 3-0 and Sevilla FC 4-1. Their only misstep was a 0-0 draw against Las Palmas. But from the start of the new season, Liverpool regained their level by logically winning on the field of promoted Ipswich 0-2.

Last season, Brentford was content with a modest 16th place, despite a late finish. encouraging championship. The Bees have conceded just two defeats in their last nine games W3 D4, with notable results coming against Manchester United 1-1 and Aston Villa 3-3, as well as a win over Bournemouth 1-2. Their run in the FA Cup was disappointing, with elimination in the round of 32 against Wolves. During the summer, after an initial victory against AFC Wimbledon 2-5, they did not win again, stringing together three draws against Benfica 1-1, Watford 1-1 and Wolfsburg in a spectacular 4-4 match. They also suffered a surprising defeat to Estrela 1-3, before starting the season on a high note by beating Crystal Palace 2-1.

Two executives of the team, Matip and Thiago Alcantara, bowed out at the end of their contract. However, the hard core of the squad remained intact. Alisson still keeps goal, supported by a defensive quartet of Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold, with promising youngsters Quansah and Bradley providing reinforcements. In the middle, competition is keen between Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Eliott and Gravenberch. In attack, Colombian Luis Diaz continues to impress (8 goals, 5 assists in PL), while Gakpo shone at the Euro (3 goals, 1 assist). Nunez (11 goals, 8 assists) is still expected to turn the corner this season. Salah (18 goals, 10 assists) and Jota, returning from injuries, both found the net on the first day. As for young Fabio Carvalho, loaned to Hull City last year, he did well in a friendly against United, but with a high market value, the Reds sold him to Brentford for more than 20 million.

No notable absence for Liverpool this weekend. Under the management of Thomas Frank, the club parted ways with Neal Maupay, whose loan spell ended, as well as Strakosha and Baptiste, who both saw their contracts expire. In return, the team benefited from the transfer of David Raya to Arsenal, which allowed them to invest more than 30 million euros for the acquisition of Brazilian striker Igor Thiago from Club Bruges. For the moment, few changes to report, apart from the sale of Zanka to Anderlecht (1 goal in 14 appearances in the Premier League last season) and the promising arrival of Fabio Carvalho from Liverpool for 23 million euros. The group remains stable, with players who shone last season, notably Nathan Collins in central defense, full-backs Henry and Hickey, as well as midfielders Janelt, Jensen and Norgaard, team captain. On the attack side, the performances of Wissa (12 goals, 3 assists) and Mbeumo (9 goals, 6 assists), formerly of Ligue 1 and already scorers in the first match of the season, continue to weigh, as do those of Toney (4 goals, 2 assists), still dangerous despite his difficult return after suspension and his absence against Palace. Elsewhere, Igor Thiago will not immediately begin his England career due to injury, joining defenders who were little used last year, including Dasilva, Henry and Hickey, on the sidelines.