Super tricky to play Brentford – Klopp
Brentford host Liverpool in the Premier League’s early kick-off as Jurgen Klopp’s men hope to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The Reds are currently two points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal though they have played one game more than Pep Guardiola’s side. Collecting three points this afternoon would keep Liverpool ahead of their challengers and continue their winning momentum.
Liverpool could also be boosted by the return of Mohamed Salah who has returned to training after recovering from an injury suffered while on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Whether he is fit to start is unknown but his presence should be felt in London even if he plays a role as a substitute.
For their part, Brentford secured a much-needed win against Wolves last time out to keep them six points off the relegation zone. Points are crucial currency at this stage as a congested relegation battle is beginning to develop and Thomas Frank will be hoping his team can distance themselves away from the drop zone.
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Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
22 mins: Liverpool are having chances now. Jota hits a looping half-volley but it is well saved by Flekken.
A Robertson corner is cleared, but a second results in a Brentford counter. Ajer brings the ball out, but Curtis Jones snuffs it out in the Liverpool box.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:54
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
19 mins: A quick counter from Brentford sends Toney through on goal, but he’s being chased down by van Dijk and can only let off a weak shot straight at Kelleher.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:51
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
18 mins: Brentford are in the ascendency at the moment, but only the one clear-cut chance so far. Neither side is dominating, though Liverpool have the ball at the moment.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:50
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
16 mins: Brentford are awarded a free-kick dangerously close to the penalty area after a foul from MacAllister.
Ivan Toney takes it, but the shot is straight at Kelleher.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:48
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
14 mins: CLOSE! Brentford with the best chance so far. Maupay controls well on the edge of the box and plays in Toney, whose shot across goal rolls just past the far post.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:46
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
13 mins: The first corner of the game comes from Andy Robertson. It’s cleared, and from the second attack Liverpool earn a second corner.
There’s a VAR check for a penalty after a coming together, but we carry on. From the second corner, Brentford earn a free-kick.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:44
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
10 mins: Liverpool are having a good spell of possession now.
Diaz is dropping centrally to try and help create something, and he almost does! He plays it to Jota who lays the ball off to Conor Bradley. The young full-back tries to take it early with the outside of his right foot just as he enters the box, but it is well saved.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:41
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
7mins: Liverpool have their first chance as a long ball over the top is chased by Darwin Nunez. His ball along the ground into the box is good, but Diaz can’t reach it.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:38
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
3 min: The first chance of the game falls to Vitaly Janelt. After some nice play on the edge of the box, the German is played through but he’s caught in two minds, and his cross-cum-shot goes out for a goal kick.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:36
Brentford 0-0 Liverpool
1 min: A couple of attacks have been snuffed out from both teams so far.
Brentford are retaining possession a little better, though neither tea has had a clear chance.
Chris Wilson17 February 2024 12:33