Liverpool v Brentford: Match Preview & Press Conference | OneFootball

Liverpool host a hopeful Brentford side this Sunday, a game that will conclude a season to forget for the Reds. The visitors come into this game with European places in their sights; they currently sit just outside the Conference League behind Chelsea on goal difference.

For Arne Slot’s side, a draw would be enough to secure Champions League football for next season. Defeat at Anfield would still most likely confirm fifth place unless there is a dramatic six-goal swing on goal difference with Bournemouth on the final day, who play Nottingham Forest. away.

Last time out for Liverpool, it was a 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa F.C., a performance the Dutch manager would not have been proud of. Slot will be hoping to continue a run of form that the Reds have been on when it comes to the final game of the season.

The Reds have not lost on the final day since the 14/15 season, where a 6-1 loss away at Stoke saw Steven Gerrard’s final game for the club. At Anfield, the run stretches even further; not since the 1988/89 season have Liverpool tasted defeat at home on the last game of the season.

Liverpool v Brentford | Uncensored Match Build Up

Form Guide…

The Bees’ form as of late has been very inconsistent; one win in their previous eight Premier League outings has left them needing a result at Anfield on the final day if they want a shot at European football next season. In that run of form, however, they have picked up five draws, a run of games that will leave Keith Andrews wondering what could have been for his side this season.

Igor Thiago is the danger man for the opposition; 22 Premier League goals have made him the second top goalscorer in the league and earned him a spot in the Brazil World Cup squad.

There are also going to be some familiar faces making an appearance against the hosts; former players Caoimhín Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, and Jordan Henderson are all expected to feature.

The reverse fixture caused plenty of problems for Arne Slot; a 3-2 victory for Brentford on the day in a fixture that is on the list of underwhelming Liverpool performances this season.

For Liverpool, it is a game of waving farewell to two legends of the club, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson. The Reds will want to make sure they give a send-off that the two greats deserve.

That can only be achieved with a victory, which, if that were to be the case and Aston Villa lost on Sunday, would mean whoever finishes sixth will also play Champions League football next season.

Arne Slot’s side’s form has also not been anything to be proud of; no wins in their previous three matches have left Champions League qualification not officially wrapped up yet.

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Farewells in order…

It will be an emotional game for the pair, Salah and Robertson, as they say their goodbyes to the club this weekend. The pair have both had incredible careers at Liverpool, winning every trophy available to them.

Salah leaves as Liverpool’s third all-time top goalscorer, scoring 255 goals in all competitions. 191 Premier League goals and 93 assists for the Egyptian king mark his legacy as one of the greatest to do it for the club.

Andy Robertson finishes his time at the club as the Premier League’s second top assister for a defender. Signing from Hull City A.F.C. for £8 million, the Scotsman has made himself one of the biggest bargains to ever walk through the door.

The Dutchman spoke on next season…

Slot said: “I think usually in the end you look forward to it ending because it is usually long, particularly in England. Last season I wouldn’t have minded keeping it going, but now we feel enough is enough, so it’s going on holiday and then preparing for next season.”

“So football has evolved, so we have to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City again with our brand of football. We have to know and understand that football has changed. Villa scored two goals via set pieces. We take that into account; we have to play a style the fans like, but we also want to compete.”

Injury Updates…

Alisson Becker and Alexander Isak are both back in training today, and both are likely to be in the squad on Sunday.