LFC’s Battle for Perfection: Lessons from Brentford Could Hold the Key
Liverpool Football Club (LFC) is currently in a fierce battle for perfection as they enter the final three months of the season. With just four losses in all competitions and two in the league, the team knows that it is often draws that can be detrimental to their campaign. So far, Liverpool has settled for a point in the league on six different occasions, which is twice more than their rival, Manchester City.
As the race for the trophy becomes tighter, Liverpool understands the importance of maintaining a winning position. Lessons from a previous visit to Brentford could provide the key to success.
Looking back to the 2021/22 season, Liverpool was just one point away from securing a quadruple. Although they had fewer losses than Manchester City (two defeats compared to three), they had more draws (eight compared to six) in the Premier League. Interestingly, they find themselves in a similar situation this season. With fewer losses than Manchester City (two compared to three), Liverpool has settled for a draw more often (six compared to four).
One particular game at Brentford Community Stadium in the 2021/22 season serves as a timely reminder for Liverpool. Despite it being only the sixth matchday of the campaign, Liverpool twice lost their lead and had to settle for a draw instead of a victory. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones were canceled out after Diogo Jota had equalized, resulting in a 3-3 draw. Eight members of the starting XI from that game remain at the club, and seven of them could potentially start again on Saturday.
Thomas Frank, Brentford’s manager, has proven to be a challenge for Liverpool in recent encounters. In fact, Brentford has taken four out of six possible points from their two matches against Liverpool since their return to the topflight. As Frank’s name has been mentioned as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp, it is crucial for Liverpool to secure a victory against Brentford to halt his successful record.
While Brentford currently sits in 14th place in the table, their home record cannot be taken lightly. They have won four out of 12 home games this season, and Liverpool’s draws have predominantly been against teams placed ninth and below.
When facing Liverpool, every team is motivated and determined to come out on top. Unlike Manchester City, Liverpool does not often encounter teams that roll over easily. Brentford will undoubtedly bring their A-game on Saturday, especially considering their previous success against Liverpool. Klopp’s men must be prepared from the start and leave no room for complacency.
The match against Brentford will be an early 12:30 pm kickoff in London. Liverpool’s squad will be boosted by the return of key players who are armed with the lessons of the past and determined to secure victory at Brentford for the first time since 1983. As the season reaches its climax, every point is crucial, and Liverpool cannot afford to drop any more unnecessary points if they want to lift the trophy in May.