3 minute read
Jurgen Klopp's resurgent Liverpool will hope to record a sixth straight win when they face Brentford at Anfield in Sky’s Saturday evening kick-off.
Key stats
Liverpool and Brentford have met three times since the Bees were promoted. Brentford won 3-1 earlier this season, whilst Liverpool were 3-0 winners at Anfield last season. Their first meeting was a 3-3 draw.
There have been 11 different goalscorers across those three meetings, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Yoane Wissa being the only players to score twice.
Since a 0-0 draw at Chelsea, Liverpool’s fixtures have averaged 4.5 goals per game.
Ivan Toney (4) was the only Brentford player to score more than once in April. Mo Salah (7), Diogo Jota (5) and Cody Gakpo (2) all scored more than once for Liverpool.
Verdict
Liverpool tightened their grip on fifth place with a 1-0 victory over Fulham on Wednesday. Mo Salah’s 39th-minute penalty proved decisive as the Reds found it tough going to create high-quality chances.
Salah’s strike from the spot was just one of six shots they mustered up from inside the box and the only one of those within the width of the six-yard box.
The most pleasing aspect of the game for Jurgen Klopp will have been the clean sheet. It’s the first time they’ve shut out the opposition since a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge one month ago.
Brentford will be the fresher of the teams having enjoyed the week off since their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. The goals were fortuitous, but the Bees did dominate possession and create most of the chances.
Their second victory in the space of five days - they also beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge - was an emphatic way to spot the rot after Thomas Frank’s men had failed to win their previous six.
The Bees’ 2-1 victory at the Etihad remains the highlight of their season and provides the blueprint for this match. Despite firing in 29 shots, City produced an xG of just 1.61, which averages out at around 0.05 per shot. The Cityzens never got near the six-yard box.
Much like Fulham did on Wednesday, Brentford were able to pile bodies behind the ball and limit their opponents to one big chance in the game. On the break, they produce six big goal-scoring chances.
The return of Diogo Jota has unlocked Liverpool’s full attacking potential. They’ve scored 16 goals in their last five matches with Jota averaging a goal a game and chipping in with one assist.
Given their present form, a win for Brentford would top the result at the Etihad. The away side may be able to frustrate Anfield early on, but it won’t last. Still, their threat on the break means they should score.
Despite their winning run, Liverpool have conceded six goals in nine matches. The visitors have scored six goals in their three Premier League meetings since promotion. Their first Anfield goal beckons, but betting on a win might be a stretch.
If you’re looking for a big price on Saturday, then consider a build-a-bet goalscorer double. Mo Salah is on fire at the moment and Ivan Toney has scored in six of Brentford’s last 10 away matches. He’ll surely spearhead any successful counter attack at Anfield.
Suggested bets
Liverpool win and over 2.5 goals
Both teams to score
Salah & Toney to score (build-a-bet)
Liverpool 2-1 Brentford
