Liverpool will aim for just their second win of the new year on Saturday when they visit Brentford in the Premier League.
The Reds' only triumph in 2025 came last weekend v. Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final sandwiched between frustrating draws with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Liverpool's little event has seen them leave the door open for title rivals Arsenal.
They hope to rediscover their best form at the Gtech Community Stadium, a venue where they have struggled before. They won 4-1 in west London last season but were convincingly beaten last season after drawing 3-3 on their first visit to the ground in 2021/22. Brentford have a strong home record this season and should not be underestimated.
Here's how Liverpool can line up on weekends.
GK: Alisson – The Brazilian has been uncharacteristically exposed by his defense in recent weeks, with just one clean sheet in his last seven outings. Brentford are the division's top scorers at home, meaning he is likely to be busy again this weekend.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – After playing in the FA Cup last weekendAlexander-Arnold produced an average performance at best against Forest in midweek. The 26-year-old's defensive shortcomings have been exposed in recent outings and his usually impeccable passing radar has been a little off.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Konate has struggled in his return from a month-long injury lay-off and the Frenchman's poor positioning allowed Forest to score the opening goal on Tuesday. He will have to improve against Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – The Liverpool captain has been irked by his fellow defenders in recent games, often isolated from those around him. He got a rare break last weekend in the FA Cup at least.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – Greek defender made an assist with his first touch off the bench against Forest, delivering an accurate corner that was converted by Diogo Jota. Andy Robertson endured another disappointing evening and Tsimikas should start at Brentford.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Gravenberch has started Liverpool's 20s Premier League matches and was typically pleasant and combative last time out at the City Ground. His defense of four defenders could be decisive in Gtech.
DM: Alexis McAllister – Mac Allister has been in impressive form over the past month, even as Liverpool have faltered a bit. The Reds rely on him for creativity and he should have plenty of space to operate on Saturday.
RW: Mohamed Salah – A rare gap for the relentless Salah in midweek, though he did see a late effort cleared off the line. The Egyptian struggled as Forest dropped deep and doubled up on him, but Brentford's gung-ho approach should play into his hands this time.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – Szoboszlai has been missing a lot in recent games but made his Premier League return against Forest. It was a spirited display from the Hungarian, even if he struggled to break open a stubborn defensive unit.
LW: Cody Gakpo – Gakpo has scored 12 goals and provided four assists this season and looks likely to improve on last season's performance. Brentford's defensive problems and injury problems at right-back should encourage the Dutchman.
ST: Luis Diaz – More doubts about Diogo Jota's injury should open up a starting spot for Luis Diaz in the middle.