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Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday night with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, where they’ll face a confident Brentford side in what promises to be a lively encounter under the lights. After a dominant 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Arne Slot’s men will look to build on that momentum though injuries continue to test their depth and resilience.
Injury Woes for Liverpool: Gravenberch and Isak Doubts
Liverpool’s preparations for the trip have been clouded by injury concerns, with both Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak facing late fitness tests. Gravenberch, who picked up an ankle injury in last weekend’s clash against Manchester United, was unavailable for the midweek trip to Frankfurt. His absence was noticeable in midfield balance and transition play, though Curtis Jones filled in admirably.
Isak, on the other hand, was withdrawn at halftime in that same Champions League tie due to a groin issue. The Swedish forward had been in fine form since joining the Reds, offering dynamism and composure in the final third.
Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, Arne Slot was cautiously optimistic but non-committal about their availability.
“Alex, not too bad. A question mark for the weekend, so let’s see where he is then,” Slot said. “And that’s the same to be said about Ryan. He didn’t travel with us to Frankfurt, so let’s see where he is today.”
The tone was one of hope, but also realism. Liverpool won’t want to rush either player back, especially with a busy schedule ahead and key fixtures on the horizon.
Confirmed Absentees: Frimpong, Alisson, and Leoni Out
While Gravenberch and Isak remain doubtful, other absences have already been confirmed. Jeremie Frimpong will miss out after suffering a hamstring injury in Frankfurt on Wednesday. The flying right-back, who’s been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers this season, pulled up midway through the second half and had to be replaced. His pace and overlapping runs will be sorely missed.
In goal, Alisson Becker is still sidelined and not yet ready to return. The Brazilian’s recovery from his muscle issue is ongoing, meaning Arne Slot will once again turn to Giorgi Mamardashvili between the sticks a player who’s quickly growing in confidence. And in defense, Giovanni Leoni remains a long-term absentee after his devastating ACL injury earlier this season. The young defender, who had been a standout during pre-season, is expected to be out for several more months.
Brentford Team News: Hickey Close, But Not Ready Yet
On the other side, Brentford come into this game after an impressive 2-0 win over West Ham United on Monday night. Head coach Keith Andrews will be encouraged by that performance, though he too faces some injury challenges.
Aaron Hickey is edging closer to full fitness after his spell out with an injury sustained on international duty with Scotland, but this weekend’s match comes too soon for him. “Aaron Hickey won’t make this weekend,” Andrews confirmed. “He’ll be back in training over the next few days. The rest of the boys are pretty much available.”
That means Josh Dasilva and Antoni Milambo will also remain unavailable, though Brentford’s squad depth has held up well in recent weeks.
Interestingly, both Paris Maghoma and Gustavo Nunes who featured for Brentford’s B team in midweek could be called up to the senior squad for Saturday’s game. The young duo have been making steady progress, and Andrews hinted they could get some minutes if needed.
Familiar Faces: Kelleher, Henderson, and Carvalho Set to Face Former Club
Saturday’s fixture also brings a few emotional reunions. Brentford now have four former Liverpool players in their ranks Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson, Fabio Carvalho, and Sepp van den Berg and all are expected to be involved in some capacity.
Kelleher, who left Anfield in the summer to secure regular first-team football, has started all eight of Brentford’s league matches so far and has impressed with his reflexes and leadership.
Slot was full of praise for his former goalkeeper when asked about him:
“He felt it was time for him to start playing – and he has shown that he is right because he is doing really well,” Slot said.
The Dutch coach also touched on Jordan Henderson’s impact, noting how his leadership and professionalism continue to shine.
“In Holland they cannot stop talking about how much Ajax is missing Jordan Henderson,” Slot added. “That tells you how important he was for Ajax and how important he has been for Liverpool and now for Brentford.”
It will certainly be a strange sight for Liverpool fans to see Henderson leading the opposition midfield, while Kelleher guards the goal he once called home.
Recent Form: Contrasting Stories
Liverpool arrive in West London in high spirits after their emphatic 5-1 victory away to Eintracht Frankfurt earlier in the week. The Reds produced a fluid, ruthless attacking display that saw Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz all get on the scoresheet. The win was particularly significant given the Reds’ recent struggles domestically. It snapped a four-game losing streak and reminded everyone of the attacking firepower Slot’s team possesses when they click.
Brentford, meanwhile, are coming off a confident 2-0 win over West Ham a result that boosted morale after a rocky patch of form. Andrews’ side showed impressive defensive structure and composure in that game, with Kelleher keeping a clean sheet and Henderson dictating play from deep. The Bees will aim to carry that momentum into Saturday’s fixture, especially in front of their home fans who have turned the Gtech Community Stadium into a tough ground for any visiting side.
Key Players to Watch
For Liverpool:
With Isak potentially unavailable, much of the attacking burden may fall on Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike. Gakpo’s versatility allows him to drift between lines and exploit spaces, while Ekitike’s energy and movement can trouble Brentford’s defense. In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai’s creativity and work rate will again be key.
For Brentford:
Jordan Henderson’s experience could be crucial in managing Liverpool’s press, while winger Kevin Schade’s pace on the break offers a real threat. And of course, all eyes will be on Kelleher can he frustrate his old teammates and pull off another big performance?
Tactical Outlook
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are likely to dominate possession and look to stretch Brentford with quick interchanges and wide overloads. Without Frimpong, Slot might turn to Joe Gomez or Conor Bradley on the right, both capable but offering different dynamics Gomez more defensive stability, Bradley more attacking flair.
Brentford, on the other hand, will rely on compact defending and quick counters. Their 4-3-3 system under Andrews allows them to stay disciplined while springing forward through Schade and Damsgaard. Henderson’s presence will add composure and help dictate tempo when under pressure.
What’s at Stake
For Liverpool, this game represents a chance to regain footing in the Premier League title race after recent setbacks. Another three points could restore belief and momentum heading into a busy November schedule. For Brentford, a win would be a statement a sign they can compete toe-to-toe with England’s elite while continuing to climb the table. Both sides have reasons to fight hard, and with familiar faces on both benches, this clash carries an emotional undertone that adds to its intrigue.
Prediction: Tight Battle Under the Lights
Expect a competitive, high-tempo game filled with storylines Henderson and Kelleher facing their former club, Liverpool testing their depth without key players, and Brentford eager to protect home turf. Liverpool’s superior quality might give them the edge, but Brentford’s resilience and tactical organization could make it far from easy.
Predicted score: Brentford 1–2 Liverpool.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com