“You’ve Got to Start Winning” – David Lynch Previews Liverpool’s ‘Must-Win’ Clash Against Brentford | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Must-Win Clash Against Brentford: Insights from Anfield Index’s Media Matters

Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford carries significant weight in their title charge. As discussed in Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Dave Davis and journalist David Lynch broke down the challenge Brentford poses and how Arne Slot’s side must approach the game.

Brentford’s Tactical Approach Against Liverpool

Brentford have established themselves as a tricky opponent for the top sides, and their recent 2-2 comeback against Manchester City is a testament to their resilience. David Lynch pointed out their typical game plan when facing Liverpool:

“They make it physical, they try and have threats on the counter, they’ve got Vissa and Mbeumo – really, really good players with a lot of pace.”

Lynch also predicted that Thomas Frank’s side will set up with a low defensive block, aiming to frustrate Liverpool and hit them on the break:

“I would expect nothing less than they’ve generally gone with against Liverpool, which is to try and frustrate and hit on the break if they can.”

This could prove to be a stern test for Liverpool, who will need to control the game without exposing themselves to Brentford’s counter-attacking threat.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Recent Form and Title Aspirations

Despite some frustrating results, Liverpool remain firmly in the title race. Lynch acknowledged their recent struggles but insisted they have played well enough to warrant better outcomes:

“It’s been a little bit of an up-and-down run recently in terms of results if not in terms of performances. I felt they deserved more against Nottingham Forest, I felt they deserved more against Manchester United as well.”

He also referenced Liverpool’s controversial defeat to Tottenham earlier in the season:

“They definitely didn’t deserve to lose against Spurs.”

Photo: IMAGO

While past injustices can fuel motivation, Lynch emphasised the importance of getting back to winning ways:

“These excuses only last for so long. You’ve got to start winning again.”

With Arsenal and Manchester City also dropping points recently, this game presents Liverpool with an opportunity to strengthen their grip on the title race.

Key Selection Dilemmas for Arne Slot

Slot has some decisions to make regarding his starting XI, with players pushing for a place in the team. Lynch highlighted the left-back position as an area of concern, particularly with Andrew Robertson’s struggles:

“Robertson was really poor in terms of his delivery and on the ball, he was really weak there.”

He suggested that Kostas Tsimikas might be a better option for this match:

“I thought Kostas made things much better when he came on down that left-hand side. His set-piece delivery is much better.”

In attack, Diogo Jota is pushing for a return to the starting lineup, with Lynch advocating for his inclusion:

“The Luis Díaz experiment maybe needs to end now and it’s time for Diogo Jota to come in up top.”

Photo: IMAGO

He backed Jota to make an impact:

“If he does that, you’d back him to get a goal and help Liverpool win it.”

Brentford vs Liverpool: A Crucial Three Points at Stake

With the title race heating up, this match could be pivotal. Davis summarised the mood perfectly:

“It does feel like a must-win to really get the title charge on track and avoid sort of further questions.”

Liverpool will need to be clinical and composed to break down Brentford’s defence while maintaining control in transition. If they play to their strengths, Lynch is confident of a positive outcome.

The Reds have overcome adversity before, and three points on the road would be a massive statement as they push for Premier League glory.