Liverpool face battle of perfection – and Brentford lessons could be key – Liverpool FC

There are simply over three months left of this season, and Liverpool nonetheless have all the things to combat for. Their subsequent opponent presents a well timed reminder from when the Reds had been final on this place.

Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect have misplaced simply 4 video games in all competitions this season, and solely two within the league – however we all know it’s usually attracts that kill you.

Up to now, Liverpool have needed to accept a degree within the league on six completely different events – twice greater than Man Metropolis – and twice they relinquished a profitable place.

When the best of margins determine who lifts the trophy in Might, Liverpool know they need to preserve their foot on their opponent’s throat – and classes from a earlier Brentford go to may very well be well timed.

Don’t have to look too far again

In 2021/22, when Liverpool had been one level and one final day victory away from a quadruple, you may not assist however try and determine what might have been improved, what might have been completely different.

That season, Klopp’s males once more completed one level behind Metropolis after dropping much less (two defeats to 3) however drawing extra (eight to 6) within the Premier League.

And oddly sufficient, we’re at present an identical report within the desk. The Reds have misplaced fewer video games (two to 3) however have settled for a degree extra usually (six to 4) than Pep Guardiola’s aspect.

It shouldn’t be that you need to win each sport to carry the trophy, however that’s the place we’re at at present, and as a type of attracts in 2021/22 unfolded at Brentford, it’s a well timed reminder.

The journey to the Brentford Group Stadium in 2021/22 might have solely been the sixth matchday of the marketing campaign, however the Reds twice relinquished a lead that day and took residence one level as a substitute of three.

Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones each noticed their targets cancelled out after Diogo Jota had put Liverpool again in stage footing, with the Bees scoring with eight minutes left of the 90 to safe a 3-3 draw.

Eight members of the beginning XI that day stay on the membership and 7 might but begin once more on Saturday, health allowing.

And, in reality, each journeys to Brentford since their return to the topflight has seen Thomas Frank take 4 factors of a doable six – a report that the Reds can’t afford for him to proceed.

Take nothing with no consideration

Frank, who has been one of many names talked about within the seek for Klopp’s successor, hasn’t discovered a lot pleasure at Anfield, however he harnesses his residence floor effectively towards the Reds.

This season, although, Brentford have received 4 and misplaced 5 of their 12 residence video games and at present sit 14th within the desk – a dip from their ninth-place end final season.

Liverpool can’t afford to take that at face worth, although, as half of their league attracts this season have been towards groups at present positioned ninth and under.

When any crew faces the Reds it’s with renewed vitality, perception and a agency need to get one over on them – sadly, we’re not as lucky as Metropolis when others roll on their again for a tickle.

You could be certain the Bees will do the previous and never the latter on Saturday, and armed within the information that it hasn’t been a cheerful searching floor, Klopp’s males should be prepared from the primary whistle.

It’s an early 12.30pm begin within the capital and the Reds’ squad is to be bolstered by the return of some faces, ones who’re armed with the teachings of the previous and able to profitable at Brentford for the primary time since 1983.