Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on the results involving Bournemouth and Manchester City, celebrating alongside Arsenal after their rivals dropped two crucial points right at the death. Heading into the final matchday the Reds sit three points clear of Bournemouth and boast a superior goal difference which should see them secure fifth spot and a place in the Champions League. Still the manner of their recent form has left plenty for Arne Slot to answer for with fans at Anfield making their feelings clear after a string of poor results in May including two defeats and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Team Form
Brentford arrive at Anfield determined to play for the win and keep alive their own slim hopes of breaking into the top eight for European football. The Bees sit ninth level on points with Chelsea and just one point behind Brighton so anything less than maximum effort will not do. Their recent record however tells its own story with just one victory in the last ten outings across all competitions and as many as seven draws including a 2-2 stalemate with Crystal Palace last time out.
- Liverpool lead Bournemouth by three points with better goal difference
- Brentford have drawn seven of their last ten matches
- Slot’s side suffered two losses and one draw in May
- Brentford trail Brighton by only one point before the final day
Tactical Analysis
On home soil Liverpool usually dictate proceedings yet their shaky performances lately have put that Champions League berth in unnecessary jeopardy. Brentford have shown they can frustrate opponents by grinding out results and their willingness to settle for a point could prove useful at a venue where few sides leave with anything. The visitors will look to stay compact and hit on the counter while Liverpool must find a way to break them down without leaving gaps at the back.
Strengths for the home side include their attacking depth and set-piece threat but weaknesses in recent defensive organisation have been exposed. Brentford excel at staying organised and picking up draws yet they may lack the cutting edge needed to snatch all three points against a team still fighting for European glory.
Betting Proposal
Given Brentford’s habit of taking points on the road and Liverpool’s current dip in confidence a draw or away win looks the smarter play. Consider the X2 option on Brentford not to lose at odds of 2.00 as the visitors have every reason to battle for at least a share of the spoils. This angle covers both a hard-fought draw and a rare away success while fitting the pattern of recent results between these sides.
