Liverpool manager Arne Slot has cautioned that the second half of the Premier League season will pose even greater challenges for his squad as they pursue a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. Currently leading the league with a four-point advantage over Arsenal and an additional game in hand, Liverpool has demonstrated formidable form under Slot's leadership. As they prepare for the upcoming clash against Brentford, Slot emphasizes that every match will demand their utmost effort.
Slot highlighted the competitive nature of the league this season, noting the resilience required to maintain their position at the top. Brentford, with a commendable home record equal to Arsenal and Liverpool, presents a formidable challenge. However, Brentford faces no new injury concerns ahead of the match, potentially giving them an edge.
“This season, maybe more than every other season, shows the strength of every single team that’s in the league,” said Arne Slot.
Liverpool's attacking prowess has been evident throughout the season, with the team scoring in nearly every match. Despite concerns about Darwin Nunez's form, Slot remains confident in the striker's abilities.
“So it tells me that we have so many goals in our team. Darwin will score his goals, like he did for this club already, and he will keep doing this. But I don’t see him struggling that much,” Slot remarked.
Diogo Jota, who experienced discomfort following his goal-scoring performance against Nottingham Forest, remains a doubt for the Brentford match. He has struggled to find the net consistently this season, with only four goals in 26 appearances across all competitions. Nevertheless, Jota will be a focal point for Liverpool as they prepare to face Brentford.
Brentford's last victory over Liverpool occurred two years ago, marking their first win against the Reds since 1938. Since then, Liverpool has dominated recent encounters between the teams, winning the last four meetings and scoring 17 goals in total since the Premier League's reformation.
Rico Henry and Ben Mee are expected to return to Brentford's starting lineup after being on the bench during their match against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Liverpool anticipates Nunez's return from a one-match ban and Luis Diaz's likely availability despite an illness that kept him out of training earlier in the week.
Slot dismissed notions of Nunez struggling with confidence and defended his striker's performance.
“For me, it’s the life of a striker. Sometimes you score. Sometimes you don’t,” Slot explained. “And he hasn’t started every single game.”
Liverpool has been exceptional both domestically and in European competitions this season, losing only two of their 31 matches across all contests. Their consistency and strategic gameplay have set them apart as a leading force in football.
“The most important thing for me is that we as a team were able to score in every single game except for the Tottenham one [in the League Cup] and [Nottingham Forest earlier in the season],” Slot emphasized.
