Most recently, a goalless first-leg draw in the EFL Cup semi-final (against ten-man Arsenal) showed that the hosts are sorely missing the goal threat usually provided by their departed AFCON stars.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s title hopes have dwindled massively, as a return of no wins in their last three Premier League matches has left Jürgen Klopp’s men needing to make up a double-digit gap on league leaders Manchester City. Most recently, a goalless first-leg draw in the EFL Cup semi-final (against ten-man Arsenal) showed that the hosts are sorely missing the goal threat usually provided by their departed AFCON stars. On a better note for the ‘Reds’, they own the last remaining undefeated home record in the league, after only letting in six Premier League home goals all campaign.
This is also the first time they’ll be hosting Brentford in a Premier League game, and intriguingly, Liverpool have only lost one of the last 17 matches when hosting a team at Anfield for the first time in the Premier League.
Brentford
Brentford will look to their 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture as a confidence booster, given they were pummelled 4-1 last time out by Southampton in a poor showing, although they still enjoy a comfortable margin between themselves and the relegation spots. Even so, the ‘Bees’ will be buzzing to get back into the top half of the table, but hitting the road has been a chore for Brentford recently, as they’ve gone winless in their last six Premier League road games, while conceding at least twice on each occasion.
Salah and Mané’s absence will see Liverpool place more impetus on Diogo Jota, who has scored eight of his ten Premier League goals this season before half-time. Meanwhile, Brentford’s Ivan Toney has scored four of his five domestic goals this season away from home. Brentford have conceded the first goal in 12 of their last 13 Premier League matches.