Frånvaroläge: Elliot(skadad), Philips(skadad), Origi(skadad), Thiago(skadad), Minamino(skadad), Salah(AFCON), Mané(AFCON), Keita(AFCON)
Trolig startelva (4-3-3): Alisson Alexander-Arnold, Matip van Dijk, Robertson – Fabinho, Henderson, Jones – Jota, Firmino, Minamino
Tankar om elvan: Matchen mot Arsenal i veckan var allt annat än upplyftande, offensiven såg seg ut och kreativiteten lyste med sin frånvaro. Av den anledningen vill jag ha in Jones från start i den här matchen och det tror jag också att vi kommer få se. Inte omöjligt att Ox får en chans också, men jag skulle bli förvånad om inte Fabinho och Henderson får fortsatt förtroende på mitten. I anfallet är alternativen få, så de som spelade senast får fortsätta. Det klickade inte riktigt i samspelet mot Arsenal, men det var samtidigt första starten i ligan på länge för både Firmino och Minamino, jag tror de kommer att se bättre ut mot Brentford. Backlinjen bör se likadan ut, om det inte är några nya skador eller sjukdomar. Kanske vill Klopp ha in Konate med Brentfords fysiska anfallare, men Matip var bäst på planen mot Arsenal och förtjänar att spela vidare.
Brentford status – Jon Restall(@thecondorman) från @beesotted
- You´ve played in the Premier League for half a season now, are you satisfied with what Brentford has done so far?
I think most Brentford fans will be delighted with how well we’ve adapted to the Premier League so far with our inexperienced squad. It’s not always been easy, but it’s already been a lot of fun. I think we could show better quality in possession that we have been showing but that’s easy to say from the stands - Have Brentford changed anything in the way they play this season compared to last season in the championship?
We play less open football in some games than we did in the Championship- for example against Liverpool we played a more direct style to bypass the intensity of their world class midfield. And it worked. Set pieces have become more important to us as well, and we are using long throws around the box too. We had Chelsea clinging on for about 30 minutes in the league game, their keeper played out of his skin in a game they were lucky to win. - Which players have impressed you the most at Brentford this season?
To be honest they’ve all done really well – Toney gets the headlines but Mbuemo has been a real thorn in the side up front, Raya was outstanding before his injury and the likes of Pinnock, Henry, Norgaard, Jansson and Janelt look like established Premier League players. Shout out to Sergi Canos too who has made a real fist of playing at RWB, not his natural position - Covid has been a big talking point in the past month, how has Brentford been affected and what are your thoughts on the way it has been handeled by the Premier League?
We had to cancel a couple of games because of Covid sweeping through the squad – at one point we had 19 people in or around the squad affected. We played against Man City with loads of players unavailable which was brave. I think it has been handled fairly well by the PL but it has felt like a couple of clubs have worked cancellations to their advantage – so better transparency around decisions would have been helpful. It’s always hard on fans when games are called off late too – some can’t just rebook hotels or trains or time off work - Do you expect any signings from Brentford in january? Where do you think this team needs strenghening?
I think we will strengthen, yes, but only if the right players are available at the right price. We really do need an established RB/RWB although Canos and Roerslev have helped cover the gap. We probably need back up for the brilliant Rico Henry on the other flank and another creative force would be useful – one area we have underperformed is in supporting the strikers. Crucially I don’t think we will sell anyone important either, although a couple might go out on loan to gain regular experience. - How is the current form of the team?
Current form is mixed. We’ve been picking up points but sometimes looking a bit ragged. We’ve had a lot of players out but some are returning now – Ajer, Mbuemo, Janelt and Mads Bech bring a different physicality to our team. And hopefully Big Josh DaSilva will be ready to be unleashed on the Premier League soon too – he’s an outstanding talent - What kind of game do you expect at Anfield?
Brentford have been resilient on their travels and picked up impressive wins at West Ham and Wolves. We will need to work our socks off to get anything from the game but proved in the home match that we can be a match for Liverpool on our day. I would be delighted with a point, and let’s be honest it’s good news that Mo Salah is away – he is a brilliant and unique talent.