Brentford vs Liverpool predictions: Reds to rely on strong second half again
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- Table-toppers Liverpool have lost just once in the league
- Brentford are 10th in the standings
- Recommended bet: Tie/Liverpool - Half-Time/Full-Time
Liverpool secured a hard-earned draw at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and their title credentials face another examination on Saturday when they go to Brentford.
The Bees were also in action on Tuesday and demonstrated just how tough they can be to beat when coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 late on at home with champions Manchester City.
Team news
Brentford are unlikely to have any of their injured players back for Liverpool's visit.
Ryan Trevitt, Thiago Rodrigues, Kristoffer Ajer and Ethan Pinnock are all still out, along with Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Gomes and Aaron Hickey.
Diogo Jota is pushing hard for a start for Liverpool after scoring the vital equaliser at Forest just seconds after coming on, while Kostas Tsimikas could also be recalled after he impressed off the bench on Tuesday as well.
Darwin Nunez is available again after suspension, but Joe Gomez remains out injured for the visitors.
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The stats
Brentford have the joint-best home record (with Liverpool) in the division, with 23 points.
Liverpool have the best away record in the Premier League with 24 points secured on their travels.
Of Liverpool's last 22 league goals, 15 have come in the second half.
Mohamed Salah is the Premier League top goalscorer with 18 goals, while Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo has netted 13 goals in the top-flight this season.
Liverpool have won five of the last six meetings between these two sides.
Prediction
Liverpool struggled in the first half at the City Ground on Tuesday, but were much improved after the break and would have beaten Forest had it not been for several outstanding saves from keeper Matz Sels late on.
In the end a point against an impressive Forest side was not a bad result and keeps Arne Slot's side firmly on course to finish top of the pile this season.
They face another difficult away assignment at Brentford, who have won seven of their 11 home league games this term and came back very well from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Man City on Tuesday.
A theme of Liverpool's campaign has been stronger second-half performances and they may take a while to warm up at the GTech Community Stadium this weekend too.
The Bees have gone in level at half-time in four of their last five games in all competitions and that pattern may well continue on Saturday before Liverpool are tipped to move through the gears in the second period.
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