By Dan Clubbe
Following a rather fortuitous victory over Leicester City on Friday night as a pre-cursor to New Year’s celebrations, Jurgen Klopp will know that his Liverpool side will need to improve if they are to bring three points back from the capital.
The Reds have struggled to live with Brentford since the west Londoners arrived in the Premier League and the German boss will be all too aware of the threats posed by this evening’s hosts.
As such, it’s likely to be full strength from Klopp as Liverpool go in search of a crucial victory in the race for the top four…
Here’s how we should line up: Formation 4-3-3
Alisson starts in goal, Andy Robertson Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk make up three of the back four whilst the Reds should welcome back Ibrahima Konate following his World Cup exploits to deal with a potentially red-hot Ivan Toney.
Jordan Henderson makes way from his defensive midfield berth providing Fabinho is back and available once more. Thiago and the skipper provide the quality and much-needed energy on either side of the Brazilian.
Darwin Nunez keeps his place having had a major impact on all of Liverpool’s recent matches, whilst the ever-prolific Mohamed Salah starts from his favoured right-wing role and Roberto Firmino returns to slot in between the pair.
Hopefully, we will also get a first glance at Cody Gakpo at some point also…
Score prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Brentford
See how Paul thinks Klopp will go on this week’s Starting XI Prediction Show…