9 key things to know ahead of Liverpool vs Brentford – Reds can close in on 4th place

Liverpool host Brentford as Thomas Frank’s men arrive at Anfield to prevent Reds winning sixth game in a row

Liverpool v Brentford

With Man United losing to Brighton on Thursday night, a win for Liverpool would put them one point behind fourth place, despite having played twice more.

In their own way, a Brentford side went six games without a win before taking six points from the last six points on offer. Anfield are looking forward to Jürgen Klopp’s side welcoming their third opponent in just a week.
Here are 10 important things to know ahead of Liverpool vs. Brentford.

1. Jota and Henderson could miss it

“Yesterday he was able to train, but to tell the truth he didn’t do much. He wasn’t really in danger yesterday for contacts and stuff like that.”

Klopp also said Henderson ‘had a scan’ on Thursday and ‘we’ll have to see’ if he’s available

2. Brentford for Europe

It has been a remarkable second season in the top flight for Brentford, who have comfortably provided security without the budget of their rivals and are now even stepping into European football.

Although they may miss a trip to the continent next season – they have won just two of their last eight games – this season has further demonstrated Frank’s qualifications as a manager.

The campaign has also brought some memorable moments for west London fans as the Bees have already beaten Man City, Man United and Liverpool this season.

Brentford are currently ninth in the Premier League, four points behind Aston Villa and Tottenham, who they would need to finish before to qualify for the Europa Conference League. Now they will just hope they can hang on to their talismanic Danish manager for at least another year

3. A real royal farce

Liverpool have gone against the views of many fans and have announced they will play ‘God Save the King’ at Anfield on Saturday, following a recommendation from the Premier League.

Due to the nature of the Reds’ anti-establishment fan base, boos are inevitable on King Charles III’s coronation day and the club has acknowledged that the anthem will not be well received.

“Obviously it’s a personal choice how the people at Anfield celebrate this occasion and we know some supporters have strong opinions about it,” Liverpool said in a statement.

Whatever happens, the fans will be chastised, but it seems the club has chosen to blame the fans rather than themselves. 4. Robertson and Gakpo return

After making three changes to his squad to play at Fulham, Klopp is expected to bring back the three who were absent for the visit to Brentford.

Andy Robertson is expected to return to his left-back role while Cody Gakpo will almost certainly start up front.

Likely XI: Alisson; Alexandre-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Elliot, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

5. Frank on the happiness of Anfield and Liverpool

Ahead of his team’s trip to Anfield, Frank praised the atmosphere at Liverpool’s stadium, saying: “It’s probably the toughest away game ever.”

He also praised Klopp for his success in recent years, saying Liverpool had been “pretty unlucky” not to win more. “They played every game possible and only missed the league by one point. And they played a Champions League final which they should have won, they were unlucky,” added Danish.

“This year, in their terminology, they’re having a bit of a hard time and they’re just losing [

6. Only 4 more for Milner

With James Milner set to move to Brighton this summer, the 37-year-old has just four games left in his Liverpool career.

With Henderson potentially missing the Brentford game, there is a chance Milner could make an appearance on Saturday and if Klopp is successful he would stay longer. Ahead of the game, Klopp said: “Milly, I can say I’ve had some very good conversations with him over the past few months.

“He knows how much I appreciate him. He’s an amazing part of the team and I would have loved to work with him longer.”

Klopp also underlined his importance to Liverpool’s success, saying “without James Milner nothing would have happened in the last seven and a half years”.

7. Beware of Toney

He is yet to score against Liverpool but Klopp will know the threat that Ivan Toney poses.

Despite a possible ban for breaking betting rules, the Bees striker has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season and helped propel Brentford to ninth place in the league, just nine points behind Liverpool. With Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo in attack, the west London side became known for their quick attacks and brought in plenty of men in support.

8. Did you know?

If Alisson keeps a clean sheet on Saturday, it will be his 100th for Liverpool in all competitions.
Mo Salah can move up the all-time goalscoring list as his next goal will put him level with Steven Gerrard on 186 for the club.

Indeed, the Egyptian is just one goal short of 30 in all competitions for the fourth time in seven seasons with the Reds, and one short of reaching 20 in the league this season.

The number 11’s next goal will also see him reach 100 at Anfield in a Liverpool shirt in all competitions. He would become the eighth player to achieve this feat.

Liverpool’s fifth game of the season with the Reds unbeaten in the last 11 games under his wing.
Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn will be his assistant referees, while Graham Scott will have the fourth official assignment.

Andre Marriner is the main VAR for this and his assistant is Marc Perry.