Liverpool vs Brentford: Starting XI Prediction Ahead of Arne Slot’s Anfield Debut | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction: Liverpool vs Brentford

Following the Reds’ impressive victory over Ipswich Town on the opening weekend, Liverpool now face the test of Brentford in Arne Slot’s first competitive game at Anfield. Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah both got themselves on the scoresheet in the opening weekend and will be looking to kick-on with more goals on Sunday.

With that being said, who will make Arne Slot’s eleven as Liverpool look to really build some momentum in the early stages of the season? Let’s take a look…

Defence: Quansah or Konate?

When breaking down Slot’s expected back line against Brentford, it’s clear that Alisson Becker will remain in goal. You can also add the full-back pairing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson to the expected lineup against the Bees. The captain Virgil van Dijk will also remain in the side, but his partner remains unclear.

Photo: IMAGO

Jarell Quansah received the nod for the opening game but was replaced by Ibou Konate at half-time, with Slot searching for a more physical presence alongside van Dijk. Now Slot must decide whether to give Quansah another shot or make the change with Konate in the starting lineup. I suspect the latter may be the case on Sunday.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk (C), Robertson

Midfield: Slot’s New Look Engine Room

Not many would’ve been expecting Liverpool to go into the season with a double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, but that appears to be the case after a solid performance against Ipswich Town. Those two players will likely be partnered with Dominik Szoboszlai once again, who also started in the Reds’ opening day victory.

Photo: IMAGO

This would mean the likes of Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott will all miss out on the starting lineup again, but patience will be key for their personal campaigns.

Attack: Slot’s Best Three?

Ever since the departures of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, there has been plenty of conversation over who makes Liverpool’s most effective attacking trio. At the moment though, there seems to be very little doubt over the personnel preferred by the new Dutch head coach.

Photo: IMAGO

Mohamed Salah will of course start on the right-wing, whilst Diogo Jota will start down the middle once again and leaving Darwin Nunez on the bench once more. On the left-wing, it’s between Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, with the latter set to miss out despite his impressive EURO 2024 campaign.

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Tsimikas, Bradley, Endo, Jones, Elliott, Gakpo, Nunez