Brentford host Liverpool as the Premier League champions look to get their title defence back on track following three consecutive defeats in the competition.
The Reds opened their campaign with five wins in a row before Arne Slot’s side stumbled to late defeats at Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Harry Maguire’s late header then floored the champions, as Manchester United won their first match at Anfield in nine years, but Liverpool bounced back with a confident 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.
Liverpool, though, could expect some more rough treatment and aerial duels against a Brentford side who are one of the most physical and direct teams in the league under Keith Andrews.
Reds boss Slot dropped Mohamed Salah to the bench for the trip to Frankfurt but now recalls the forward following Alexander Isak’s groin injury, with Hugo Ekitike starting too. Follow live updates from Brentford v Liverpool, below
Brentford 2-1 Liverpool
The players are back out for the second half. A big 45 minutes coming up for Liverpool and Arne Slot.
Can Brentford and Keith Andrews hold on?
HALF TIME! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool
There’s going to be a change of referee for the second half. Simon Hooper has picked up an injury and will be replaced by fourth official Tim Robinson.
It means there will be a slight delay to kick-off.
HALF TIME! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool
Oof. What a half of football. Brentford were brilliant and have bullied Liverpool at times, but that late goal in stoppage time could have changed things.
GOAL! Brentford 1-0 Liverpool (OUATTARA 5’)
A classic long throw from Brentford opened the scoring.
GOAL! Brentford 2-0 Liverpool (SCHADE 45′)
Schade doubled their lead after Gakpo penalty appeals
GOAL! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool (KERKEZ 45+5′)
Kerkez strikes but Brentford furious half-time whistle didn’t come
HALF TIME! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool
There are boos from the home fans at half time but Brentford lead Liverpool at the break!
Keith Andrews shakes his head as the players head back inside – Brentford wanted the half-time whistle to come but Kerkez had enough time to get Liverpool back into the game.
GOAL! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool (KERKEZ 45+5′)
DEEP IN STOPPAGE TIME, KERKEZ PULLS ONE BACK!
There is more controversy here! There were three minutes added on and Kerkez scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Bradley flashes the ball across and Kerkez follows it in to finish into the roof of the net. Brentford are furious.
Brentford 2-0 Liverpool
45+2 mins: The Gakpo penalty appeal was shown again just after Schade’s goal. It could have gone either way.
GOAL! Brentford 2-0 Liverpool (SCHADE 45′)
AND NOW BRENTFORD DOUBLE THEIR LEAD BEFORE HALF TIME!
Schade has ripped through Liverpool as Damsgaard splits the champions open in one pass!
It’s a stunning pass from Damsgaard – taking Konate out of the game and releasing Schade.
Schade is too quick and finishes under Mamardashvili. Dreamland for Brentford.
Brentford 1-0 Liverpool
43 mins: Penalty? Gakpo goes down in the box after making a typical run inside, but it’s waved away.
At the other end, Brentford attack and Kerkez just about gets away with his clearing header.
VAR has checked – Collins appears to have got a touch on his tackle on Gakpo.
