Arne Slot's side go to Brentford on Saturday. (Image: Getty)
Premier League leaders Liverpool go to Brentford today looking to get up and running for 2025. While Arne Slot’s side remain in control of the title race, four points clear with a game in hand, they have won just once this month in four league and cup games.
That victory came against League Two side Accrington Stanley, but with Arsenal not playing until after the Reds on Saturday night and Nottingham Forest in action on Sunday, the 3pm kick-off in London gives Slot’s men an ideal chance to put the pressure back on. But amid a frantic fixture schedule, the visitors are not without their injury worries.
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Express Sport looks at how the Merseysiders are likely to line up at the Gtech Community Stadium…
Since returning from his hamstring injury, Alisson has faced 15 shots on target in the Premier League, and he’s conceded nine of them. It makes the decision to immediately banish Caoimhin Kelleher back to the bench questionable, given his outstanding form during the Brazilian’s absence.
But Slot has left fans in little doubt that the 32-year-old remains his No.1. And he appears certain to keep his place on Saturday as he looks for just his second clean sheet since returning to fitness.
Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
With Joe Gomez still a long way from being available for selection, Slot is unlikely to make any changes to the back four that started at Forest on Tuesday. That’s despite the instant impact made by Kostas Tsimikas, who just moments after coming on fired in the corner that led to Diogo Jota heading in an equaliser.
Diogo Jota celebrates his goal on Tuesday but is an injury doubt. (Image: Getty)
But doubts remain over the defensive capabilities of the Greek international, meaning Andy Robertson should keep his place despite also appearing vulnerable as late. Slot has continued to insist that the transfer speculation around Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t affecting the focus of the player, and he’ll start again at right-back.
Midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
It’s a partnership that Slot cannot break if he wants to land the title this season. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have been two of the league’s outstanding performers in the 2024/25 campaign, and are unlikely to be broken up for reasons other than injury and squad rotation.
Forwards: Salah, Szoboszlai, Jones
Where Slot is likely to make a change is in front of his two holding players. Mohamed Salah wasn’t at his clinical best at the City Ground, but will start alongside the increasingly influential Dominik Szoboszlai. But having been deployed as a sub in midweek, Curtis Jones should come back in for Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch forward likely to be used in a more advanced role.
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Striker: Cody Gakpo
Diogo Jota pressed his claims for a place in the XI with his immediate impact on Tuesday, but in his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed the Portuguese forward picked up a niggle during his cameo and was struggling to be fit. Given his recent injury record, risking him from the start would be a potentially flawed move.
Slot also confirmed that Luis Diaz, who played this role against Forest, was suffering with a sore throat. And despite Slot denying to the media that the out-of-form Darwin Nunez was going through a crisis of confidence, Gakpo looks the most likely candidate to start as the lead striker.
