Predicting Liverpool's starting XI to face Brentford in the Premier League

Liverpool will be in action for the final time before the November international break when they take on Brentford in the Premier League this weekend.

Hopeful of putting dreadful displays against Luton Town and Toulouse behind them this Sunday, Liverpool will need to be much improved when they welcome Thomas Frank's resurgent side to Anfield.

The Reds still sit third in the Premier League and top of their Europa League group, so it's not all doom and gloom on Merseyside. However, another subpar performance at the weekend will undoubtedly worry Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool supporters.

Klopp has some big decisions to make this weekend ahead of the Bees' visit. Not only will he have to make calls on some of Liverpool's underperformers, but he has to contend with an extensive list of midfield absentees as well.

With that in mind, how might Klopp set up against Brentford this Sunday?

LEFT-BACK CONCERNS

After having conceded another three this Thursday, Caoimhin Kelleher will find himself back on the Liverpool bench. The Irish goalkeeper wasn't necessarily culpable in any of Toulouse's goals, but Alisson remains sorely missed when not in the starting lineup.

Klopp has suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold could start in midfield given just how few options the German has at his disposal, but admitted that Liverpool "lose one of the best right-backs in the world" when the 25-year-old vacates his usual spot. As a result, he should retain his place on the right side of defence.

With Joel Matip partnering Jarell Quansah midweek, Klopp will be hoping that Virgil van Dijk can return against Brentford. Liverpool's captain missed the trip to Toulouse through illness, but the Reds boss will be keen on the Dutchman returning to the starting lineup.

Ibrahima Konate will be required to deal with the pace of Brentford's attacking players, but there are some concerns at left-back for Klopp.

Kostas Tsimikas put in a dismal first-half display on Thursday, costing the Reds the opener in France, and Joe Gomez was chosen in his place last weekend against Luton to replace the injured Andy Robertson.

However, with Gomez playing the entire match against Toulouse, Tsimikas could be in line for redemption against Brentford.

MIDFIELD WOES

Klopp's toughest decisions come in midfield this weekend, with the Reds concerningly short of number in central areas.

Alexis Mac Allister is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards in the Premier League, while Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

As a result, Wataru Endo may be given only his second Premier League start of the season this Sunday. The Japan captain had a night to forget against Toulouse, substituted at half-time and fortunate not to have been sent off, but he's the only natural option Klopp has in the No. 6 role.

Thankfully, Dominik Szoboszlai is fit and will line up as one of the two more advanced central midfielders. The Hungarian, despite two ineffective performances on the bounce, remains Liverpool's chief creator in midfield and will be needed to break down a stubborn and potentially deep Brentford defence.

While Alexander-Arnold might feature further up the pitch, it's likely that Harvey Elliott will be given the nod by Klopp.

Ryan Gravenberch is a doubt for Brentford with a knee injury and could be rested in order to preserve him for after the international break. Curtis Jones is also missing which means Klopp could be forced into starting Elliott on Sunday.

DIAZ AVAILABLE

With Luis Diaz's father having now been safely released by his kidnappers in Colombia, the winger started against Toulouse on Thursday after his stoppage-time equaliser against Luton last weekend. The 26-year-old managed 80 minutes against the Ligue 1 side before being replaced.

The man who came on in his place, Diogo Jota, may be gifted a start this weekend following his sensational goal against Toulouse. The Portuguese hasn't been in brilliant for this season, but seemingly manages to find the back of the net almost every time he steps foot on the pitch.

Darwin Nunez simply must return this weekend. Despite blazing another sitter over the bar against Luton, the Uruguayan remains one of Liverpool's most influential attacking players.

The former Benfica striker has seven goals and five assists already this season and will need to be at his chaotic best to add to that tally against Brentford.

Named Liverpool and Premier League Player of the Month for October, Mohamed Salah will be eager to grab his first goals of November this Sunday.  The Egyptian remains irreplaceable for Klopp and could be the Reds' talisman this weekend.