One of the names who was being mentioned as Liverpool's potential replacement for Klopp was visiting head coach Thomas Frank. However, the Dane's devotion to the Bees was rewarded on the opening weekend when Brentford defeated Crystal Palace, even though they were the underdogs.
Ivan Toney's transfer-related absence unavoidably dominated the pre-match headlines, but Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, his customary supporting cast, made sure Frank would not be missing the striker with ties to Saudi Arabia, and they also prevented Ethan Pinnock from blushing after scoring his own goal.
The fact that a deft Eze free kick was controversially called back for a foul gave Brentford cause for celebration, but Frank was still overwhelmed by the "unbelievable" emotion of winning on matchday one—and against a rival team in London, no less.
Slot mercilessly sent Ibrahima Konate off at halftime, even though he had sided with Jarell Quansah against the Englishman at Portman Road. Slot later claimed that the young player had lost a few crucial matches rather than being substituted out for fitness.
Konate will most likely join Virgil van Dijk here since Quansah, unfortunately, has a training injury and is doubtful for the weekend. Slot, on the other hand, is expected to be OK.
Liverpool, who have not made a single addition during the transfer window, will probably open the season's first home game with almost the same lineup, with Ryan Gravenberch starting in a deeper midfield position once again.
After Brentford defeated Palace one week ago, star striker Toney is still concerned about whether he will play this weekend because he doesn't seem to be any closer to joining the Saudi Pro League or any other team.
Though Frank is hopeful that the former will make his much anticipated return during the September international break, the injured quintet of Rico Henry (knee), Igor Thiago (knee), Josh Dasilva (knee), and Aaron Hickey (thigh) will most certainly not be included.
As he attempts to make Premier League history—the DR Congo international may become the first player to ever score and assist in four consecutive games in the competition—Wissa should lead the attack once more with Toney probably out of the picture.
Sepp van den Berg has also been signed by the Bees from their next hosts, although it will undoubtedly be too soon for the Dutchman to play.
Jude Bellingham is doubtful for any of this month's games due to an injury. He'll be on the sidelines with Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba.
For this match, Ferland Mendy is banned after being sent off in the closing minutes of their opening league game of the season. Thibaut Courtois will start in goal for Ancelotti as he sticks to the 4-3-3 formation. Since Ferland Mendy is out, Fran Garcia should start on the left, and Dani Carvajal will assume command as the right back. In the center of the defense, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger ought to be paired.
Aurelien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde will guard the back line and try to manage the game's tempo. Although Bellingham may be replaced by Luka Modric in the starting lineup, the Italian manager might choose to go in a far more offensive direction and start Brahim Diaz in an advanced midfield position. Kylian Mbappe, the victor of the French World Cup, will lead the line, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior of Brazil lining up on the flanks.
