On January 2 last year, Jurgen Klopp was given a harsh reminder that it was time for change at Anfield. The Reds had returned from the World Cup on form by winning their first two league games, beating Aston Villa away and Leicester City at home. However, last season’s Brentford vs Liverpool fixture was a signal of the end of an era.
Klopp’s side looked weak. They only conceded once from a corner but Yoane Wissa had two other goals from the set piece disallowed for offside. Their midfield was the subject of much criticism following the game, with Thiago, Fabinho, and Harvey Elliott lacking energy and struggling to compete physically.
Sports Events Guide looks at that game and other Brentford vs Liverpool fixtures to assess how hard of a game The Reds are in for in the February 17 early kickoff.
Brentford Vs Liverpool: History Suggests a Tough Battle For Jurgen Klopp’s Side
Brentford 3-1 Liverpool
The last game between the two sides at the Gtech Community Stadium was a disaster for the collapsing visitors. Brentford ran riot and were 2-0 up at halftime thanks to an Ibrahima Konate own goal and a Yoane Wissa header. Liverpool did get back into the game through Oxlade-Chamberlain but Bryan Mbeumo out-muscled Konate to seal the three points for The Bees.
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The French defender will return from his one-game suspension against Brentford, but Klopp may be hesitant to start him given his struggles last year. Another player who will be looking for redemption is Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan striker missed an early chance to put his team ahead before having a goal disallowed for offside in the second half.
The departing manager should take lessons from last year’s struggles and pick a midfield that can press and retain the ball. However, due to injuries, The Reds will be missing Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, and possibly even Ryan Gravenberch.
Brentford 3-3 Liverpool
The first Brentford vs Liverpool fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium was an eventful draw. The Bees ended a run of four wins in a row for the visitors and added the game to their list of results against bigger clubs during their first Premier League season.
Klopp’s side bounced back to lead 2-1 after Ethan Pinnock had put the hosts ahead. The midfielders were taking on the role of creator with Jordan Henderson assisting Diogo Jota and Fabinho setting up Mo Salah. Vitaly Janelt then levelled for Brentford in the 63rd minute before Curtis Jones restored The Reds’ lead four minutes later.
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It seemed like the visitors were going to escape with all three points until Wissa pulled the home team level in the 82nd minute. The DR Congo forward has scored both times he’s played Liverpool at home and has just returned from leading his country to the semi-finals at the African Cup of Nations.
Liverpool 3-0 Brentford
The most recent match between the two sides came in November and ended in a convincing win for the hosts. Salah, who is a doubt because of a hamstring injury, increased his tally of goals against Brentford to four with a double. Jota got the third goal in a routine win.
The game was a vintage home performance from Klopp’s charges and reflected the dominance they’ve shown at Anfield this season. The German has lost just 11 of 161 home games in his reign as manager. However, Saturday’s game is not at Liverpool’s f0rtress and is also at 12;30, their least favourite kickoff time.
The Reds have struggled away from home against Brentford and when playing at 12;30 in the past. The February 17 fixture has all the hallmarks of a banana skin. Liverpool will need to step over it if they want to remain in the title race.
