Liverpool has earned a reputation as the Premier League's comeback experts in the 2023-24 season, showcasing their resilience once again in Matchday 11. A late equalizer from Luis Díaz salvaged a 1-1 draw against Luton Town, preventing an unexpected defeat. However, this result saw Jürgen Klopp's team lose ground to Manchester City at the top of the table, intensifying their determination to bounce back in the upcoming clash against in-form Brentford at Anfield on Sunday.
Díaz's crucial goal at Kenilworth Road held significant emotional weight, marking his return to the pitch after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia. His father's recent release added poignancy to the moment. The 94th-minute and 40th-second header mirrored Liverpool's penchant for late equalizers, recalling Divock Origi's memorable rescue act against West Bromwich Albion in December 2015 under Klopp's management.
Liverpool has been particularly adept at recovering from deficits this season, collecting a league-leading 11 points from losing positions. In their last 10 Premier League matches, they have suffered only one loss after falling behind, a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in September when reduced to nine men. However, their comeback prowess didn't translate to the UEFA Europa League, as they succumbed 3-2 to Toulouse, with a VAR decision denying Jarell Quansah a potential equalizer.
Klopp expressed frustration with Liverpool's disorganized performance in France, insisting that the team deserved the loss. The manager faces the challenge of reshuffling the squad for the upcoming match, with Alexis Mac Allister serving a one-match ban and Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones nursing minor injuries. Wataru Endō or Harvey Elliott may step into the lineup. Although Virgil van Dijk was absent in France due to illness, Klopp is optimistic about his availability for Sunday's game.
Beside Núñez, Mohamed Salah might emulate the achievements of two Premier League icons by either scoring (15 goals) or assisting (three) in each of his last 14 league appearances at Anfield. This feat has only been accomplished by Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry, who did so in more consecutive home games in the competition.
Henry played a part in a goal in 17 consecutive home fixtures for Arsenal between November 2002 and October 2003, while Shearer had an 18-game streak with Blackburn Rovers between March 1995 and February 1996 and a separate 17-match run between April 1996 and May 1997, transitioning to Newcastle United during his second streak.
Despite Liverpool's potential dominance, they may face a challenging match against a resurgent Brentford team. Under the guidance of Thomas Frank, Brentford has climbed into the top half of the Premier League table, securing three consecutive wins after a lackluster start to the 2023-24 season.
In their last outing, Brentford secured a 3-2 victory in a rollercoaster London derby against West Ham, with goals from Neal Maupay and Nathan Collins, alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos' own goal. This follows their impressive 2-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the previous week. Brentford has achieved 14 of their last 15 league victories in the capital, with the exception being a 2-0 triumph at Southampton in March.
Neal Maupay has rediscovered his form, contributing to a goal in each of his last three Premier League games (one goal, two assists) after going without a goal involvement in his previous 30 matches. This week, he could potentially score in back-to-back league matches for the first time since December 2021.
Maupay's resurgence is a positive development for Brentford, reducing their dependence on Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, especially in the absence of the suspended Ivan Toney and the injured Kevin Schade. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken might return after suffering a dead leg, but Aaron Hickey is sidelined until 2024 with a hamstring injury, joining fellow full-back Rico Henry on the sidelines.
Liverpool has an impressive track record in home matches against Brentford, having won their last seven encounters at Anfield against the Bees since their 4-3 defeat in November 1937. In these matches, Liverpool scored 16 goals and conceded only once.
Brentford, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain a clean sheet in their last 16 meetings with Liverpool across all competitions, dating back to a goalless draw at Anfield in April 1936. In their recent clash in May, Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory at Anfield, marked by Salah's 100th home goal for the club.
Despite Liverpool's dominance, Brentford managed a memorable 3-1 win over the Reds in their January meeting in west London, with Wissa and Mbeumo finding the net after Ibrahima Konaté's own goal.
Liverpool has been exceptional at Anfield this season, winning all eight home games across various competitions, each with a margin of two or more goals. The team previously achieved nine successive home wins by such margins only once in their history, between May and October 1980. The hosts also have the opportunity to start a Premier League campaign with six consecutive home wins for the third time, following their achievements in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Brentford, however, enters the match on Merseyside in high spirits, having won their last three Premier League games, scoring at least twice in each. The Bees haven't secured four successive top-flight victories since March 1939, and they have never done so while scoring multiple goals in every match.
