Jota To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Brentford | OneFootball

Despite a blistering start under Arne Slot, Liverpool have dropped crucial points in recent games following 4 draws in their past 7 Premier League games. Arsenal have closed the gap with the Merseysiders, thanks to a 2-1 win in the North London derby and the Reds, therefore, have little margin for errors ahead of clashing heads with Brentford in another tricky away fixture.

Liverpool settled for a 1-1 draw with high-flying Nottingham Forest in the City Ground but must grab all three points against the Bees who have maintained an impressive record in their own backyard. They scripted a late comeback last midweek to secure a 2-2 draw against the mighty Manchester City, and the Reds’ defensive frailty in recent games might trouble them once again unless they step up their game on Saturday evening.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Brentford

Defence

Alisson Becker is going through a rough spell since returning from a brief injury layoff. The veteran custodian must protect the goal with utmost composure and concentration against the likes of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Diogo Jota of Liverpool creates an acrobatic shot during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on August 25, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold should keep his place down the right ahead of Conor Bradley. Ibrahima Konate and skipper Virgil van Dijk are expected to continue as the central defensive pairing amid Joe Gomez’s injury absence. This leaves them with Jarell Quansah as the only outright centre-half available as a substitute. Meanwhile, Kostas Tsimikas deserves a nod due to Andrew Robertson’s vulnerability week in, and week out. The Greek left fullback made an instant impact from the bench as his corner earned them the equalizer in Nottinghamshire.

Midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai needs to improve his final deliveries. However, his immense work rate and pressing game make him the obvious choice as a ‘number 10’ over Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott. While he features as a midfield attacker on paper, the tactical and formation tweaks in the centre of the pitch circle around the young Hungarian. Mohamed Salah had a rare below-par outing against Forest, but the Egyptian continues to be the main attacking outlet with his flair, directness and poaching attributes. The cutbacks and shooting traits down the left should see Cody Gakpo retain his starting status. Diogo Jota must replace Luis Diaz high up the pitch for his exquisite scoring ability as a ‘number 9’. Darwin Nunez could be involved at a later stage to inject pace and energy into the Liverpool attack.