Liverpool are aiming for only their second victory of the new year on Saturday when they visit Brentford in the Premier League.
The Reds' sole 2025 triumph came last weekend against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, with defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final sandwiched in between frustrating draws with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Liverpool's mini-blip has seen them leave the door ajar for title rivals Arsenal.
They're hoping to rediscover their best form at the Gtech Community Stadium, a venue at which they have struggled previously. They won 4-1 in west London last season but were beaten convincingly the previous campaign having drawn 3-3 on their first-ever visit to the ground in 2021/22. Brentford have a strong home record this term and are not to be underestimated.
Here is how Liverpool could line up at the weekend.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson - The Brazilian has been left uncharacteristically exposed by his defence in recent weeks, with just one clean sheet in his last seven outings. Brentford are the division's top scorers at home, meaning he will likely be busy again this weekend.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold - Having starred in the FA Cup last weekend, Alexander-Arnold offered a mediocre performance at best against Forest midweek. The 26-year-old's defensive deficiencies have been laid bare in recent outings and his usually impeccable passing radar has been a tad askew.
CB: Ibrahima Konate - Konate has struggled on his return from a month-long injury and the Frenchman's poor positioning allowed Forest to score their opener on Tuesday. He will have to improve against the lively Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.
CB: Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool's skipper has been left exasperated by his defensive teammates during recent matches, often isolated by those around him. He got a rare rest last weekend in the FA Cup at the very least.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas - The Greek defender produced an assist with his first touch from the bench against Forest, delivering a pinpoint corner that was converted by Diogo Jota. Andy Robertson endured another disappointing evening and Tsimikas should start at Brentford.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch - Gravenberch has started all 20 of Liverpool's Premier League matches and was typically graceful and combative last time out at the City Ground. His protection of the back four could prove crucial at the Gtech.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister - Mac Allister has been in impressive form over the past month, even when Liverpool have stumbled slightly. The Reds lean on him for creativity and he should have plenty of space to operate within on Saturday.
RW: Mohamed Salah - A rare blank for the relentless Salah midweek, although he did see a late effort cleared off the line. The Egyptian struggled as Forest sat deep and doubled up on him, but Brentford's gung-ho approach should play into his hands this time around.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai - Szoboszlai has been sorely missed in recent games but made his Premier League comeback against Forest. It was a lively display from the Hungarian, even if he had difficulties carving open a stubborn defensive unit.
LW: Cody Gakpo - Gakpo has scored 12 goals and provided four assists this season and looks likely to better last term's output comfortably. Brentford's defensive issues and injury woes at right-back should encourage the Dutchman.
ST: Luis Diaz - More injury doubts over Diogo Jota should open up a starting berth for Luis Diaz through the middle.
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