Arne Slot has some tough selection issues to contend with ahead of Sunday’s match. (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot will take charge of his first-ever Premier League game at Anfield this weekend when Brentford make the journey north for Sunday afternoon’s clash.
While the opening day performance might not have been perfect, the result certainly was, with Liverpool despatching Premier League newbies Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road.
To stick or twist will be the question hanging over Slot’s head ahead of tomorrow’s match, as he looks to continue Liverpool’s 100 per cent start to the campaign.
Ahead of the match, Express Sport have predicted the starting XI Slot might go for…
Liverpool predicted XI vs Brentford (4-3-2-1)
Goalkeeper: Alisson
No surprises here. Alisson looked his ever-assured self during the victory against Ipswich, keeping a clean sheet and standing tall when called upon.
The Brazil international made two saves during the opening-day win, with Alisson set to retain his spot between the sticks.
Alisson was his usual assured self between the sticks for Liverpool last weekend. (Image: Getty)
Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
Slot gambled on Andy Robertson’s fitness in the Ipswich game and hit the jackpot, with the Scottish left-back looking back to his best on the flank.
He’ll partner fellow Liverpool legend Trent Alexander-Arnold in the full-back positions, while skipper Virgil Van Dijk will take up his usual spot in the heart of defence.
However, Slot will likely draft Ibrahima Konate into the starting XI in place of Jarell Quansah, after the latter was hooked at half-time last weekend. The Englishman suffered a knock in training this week and Slot won’t want to risk him.
Diogo Jota was on target for Liverpool during their opening-day win. (Image: Getty)
Midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai
Having spent most of the summer being linked to expensive holding midfielders, Ryan Gravenberch’s performance against Ipswich might’ve just saved the Reds a bagful of cash.
The Dutch international was exemplary in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield and is expected to once again operate just in front of the defence.
He’ll be joined in midfield by usual suspects Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who showcased their continually developing on-pitch relationship in the second half of last Saturday’s win.
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Attack: Salah, Jota, Diaz
It’s also a repeat of the same attack, which after a misfiring first-half against the Tractor Boys eventually clicked into gear during the second.
Mohamed Salah netted his ninth opening-day goal in the Premier, before turning provider for team-mate Diogo Jota later in the day.
The goal-scoring pair should be among the first names on the team sheet, whereas Luis Diaz was less impressive on opening day, but should still get the nod ahead of Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Brentford: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1939679/liverpool-team-news-brentford