Match Overview
Who: Brentford vs Liverpool
Competition: English Premier League
Where: Brentford Community Stadium, London, United Kingdom
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 8pm BST (19:00 GMT)
How to Watch: Live text commentary on Al Jazeera Sport from 5pm (16:00 GMT)
Liverpool will be looking to build on their midweek Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt as they face a tough Premier League away trip to Brentford on Saturday night.
After four consecutive defeats across all competitions, the Reds finally bounced back with a commanding 5-1 victory in Germany. However, their title defence under new manager Arne Slot remains under pressure, with several injury concerns and questions surrounding the form of Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool’s Injury Woes Continue
Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak suffered a groin injury during the Frankfurt clash, just weeks after beginning to find rhythm following a turbulent transfer from Newcastle United worth £125 million ($170m).
Slot confirmed that the Swedish striker felt discomfort at halftime and was substituted as a precaution.
“Let’s hope it’s not that bad,” Slot said. “He’s been training well and we were cautious, but the margins at the top are small.”
Right-back Jeremie Frimpong also left the match early due to a hamstring problem, joining goalkeeper Alisson Becker on the injury list.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch remains a doubt after suffering a minor knock, leaving Liverpool’s midfield depth stretched ahead of the London trip.
Could Isak’s Injury Help Liverpool?
Ironically, Isak’s absence could unlock a more balanced attack. When he was replaced by Hugo Ekitike at halftime against Frankfurt, Liverpool’s offense began to click. Florian Wirtz, restored to his natural attacking midfield role, produced two assists in the second half, sparking a five-goal display.
Ekitike has scored five goals in 11 appearances but has yet to start in Liverpool’s three recent Premier League defeats. His pace and movement could provide the spark Slot’s side has been missing.
“We’ve been careful with Hugo’s minutes, but now he’s ready to play more,” said Slot earlier this week.
Salah’s Goal Drought: A Growing Concern?
Mohamed Salah remains central to the discussion around Liverpool’s form. The Egyptian forward has gone six games without a goal and was benched for the midweek win in Germany.
Despite the dip, Slot insisted he had no concerns about his star player’s confidence:
“The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again,” the manager told reporters. “He’s done it his whole life, and he’ll do it again soon.”
Salah’s current tally stands at two Premier League goals in eight appearances, his lowest early-season total since joining Liverpool in 2017. His struggles may be linked to tactical adjustments following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, which has disrupted the attacking chemistry on the right flank.
Brentford’s Perspective
Brentford, sitting mid-table, have endured an inconsistent campaign compared to their strong finishes in recent seasons. Their 3-1 home win against Manchester United last month showed glimpses of their best form, but they’ve since alternated between wins and losses.
Injuries have taken a toll, with Aaron Hickey and Antoni Milambo sidelined through knee problems, and Josh Dasilva still unavailable. Even so, manager Thomas Frank has maintained his side’s aggressive pressing and set-piece threat.
Brentford fans will hope that home advantage and a compact defensive setup can frustrate the champions.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the 24th meeting between Brentford and Liverpool.
- Liverpool wins: 15
- Brentford wins: 4
- Draws: 4
The Reds have won each of the last four meetings, including a dominant 3-0 win at Anfield last season.
Predicted Lineups
Brentford (3-4-2-1):
Kelleher; Collins, van den Berg, Pinnock; Kayode, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Lewis-Potter; Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, van Dijk (c), Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Key Battles to Watch
- Salah vs Pinnock: Can the Egyptian end his scoring drought against one of the league’s most disciplined defenders?
- Ekitike vs Collins: Ekitike’s mobility could expose Brentford’s back three, especially on counter-attacks.
- Wirtz vs Henderson: The German playmaker will look to exploit spaces behind Brentford’s midfield anchor.
Prediction
Liverpool’s inconsistency makes this a tricky fixture, but their second-half revival in Frankfurt could be a turning point. Brentford will press high and look to capitalize on set pieces, but Liverpool’s attacking quality should prevail.
Prediction: Brentford 1–3 Liverpool
Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah — poised to break his goal drought.
Man of the Match Tip: Dominik Szoboszlai — expected to play a key linking role in midfield.
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