Liverpool were dreadful against ten-man Arsenal at Anfield in the Carabao Cup first leg semifinal fixture. The absence of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane exposed their limitations in the attacking third and a reaction is needed on Sunday afternoon when they would host Brentford in a crucial Premier League fixture.
The Bees clinched a stellar 3-3 draw in the reverse tie but have lost the momentum of late despite a few exciting outcomes. They might opt for a deep-defensive strategy yet again with a view to scripting an upset by punishing the Reds on counter-attacks. Liverpool must exhibit more grit and resilience in the defensive third against the directness of the visitors.
Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup To Face Brentford
Defence
Alisson Becker made his first-ever League Cup appearance on Thursday night and pulled off some key saves to keep a clean sheet. He must aim for another one this weekend after conceding thrice last year against Thomas Frank’s men.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was far from his best versus the Gunners. He must meet his standards and offer the creative spark with overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides from the right-hand flank. Joel Matip has been immense all season and should retain his place in deep defence alongside Virgil van Dijk. Jurgen Klopp has rotated Andrew Robertson with Kostas Tsimikas and the latter must be restored in the starting XI to keep the Scotsman fit and fine for the upcoming Emirates fixture.
Midfield
While Fabinho must keep his place deep down the midfield and operate from the base, playing Jordan Henderson and James Milner together is not a good idea given their lack of pace and creativity. Both of them are industrious and workaholics, but the gaffer should prefer Curtis Jones in place of Milner following his energetic cameo this midweek.
Although Naby Keita is representing Guinea in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, the Merseysiders have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tyler Morton as the other central midfield options. Harvey Elliott is back in light training after recovering from a severe ankle injury picked up earlier this campaign, but the teenage sensation would require a few more weeks to regain match fitness.
Attack
Roberto Firmino is way past his prime but should still lead the line due to the absence of both Mane and Salah. Diogo Jota is more effective from the left if not as a ‘number 9’, whereas versatile Oxlade-Chamberlain might be deployed from the right to replace Takumi Minamino in the frontline. Divock Origi is still away with an injury as the Reds duly missed his services at such a crucial juncture of the 2021-22 season.
