Brentford vs Liverpool - Predictions
Liverpool make the trip to Brentford this Saturday as they aim to maintain their two-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Manchester City may have a game in hand on the Reds but Jurgen Klopp's side remain league leaders for the time being, and can ill-afford any further slip-ups in the title race.
Liverpool beat Brentford 3-0 in the reverse fixture at Anfield but Thomas Frank's side have welcomed the ruthless Ivan Toney back since then.
Saturday's encounter will be a tricky one, especially given it's an early kick-off, with Liverpool still missing a host of key players.
With three points crucial, here is how Anfield Watch's writers think Brentford vs Liverpool might play out.
BRENTFORD VS LIVERPOOL PREDICTIONS
Ewan Ross-Murray: Liverpool may have been successful in the 12:30 Saturday kick-off slot this season, but it hasn't always been convincing.
The Reds had to come from behind to win against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, while also needing a late leveller against Manchester City in November.
There was also a nervy 2-0 win in the Merseyside derby at Anfield, with a trip to Brentford more challenging than the league table might suggest.
The Reds have conceded three goals in both their visits to the Gtech Community Stadium and the returning Toney makes this a difficult encounter.
Liverpool should have enough quality in the final third to punish a Brentford defence that has been shaky this season, but it might be another nervy victory for the Reds.
Brentford 1-3 Liverpool
Andy Headspeath: A 12:30 kick-off away at a ground where Liverpool have never won is, at first glance, absolute nightmare fuel. Add to it the fact that two of the Reds' best players are missing and it gets even worse.
However, this is exactly the sort of awkward tie title chasers need to win if they want to stay contenders and I'm choosing to be optimistic.
The return of Mohamed Salah is very well timed (assuming he isn't being rushed back too soon), while Brentford have actually been fairly ropey this season, especially against the bigger sides.
Dealing with a frontline of Toney and Neal Maupay is tough for all sorts of reasons, but dealing with Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez is tougher.
Liverpool should have this.
Brentford 1-2 Liverpool