Anfield will be the stage for a Premier League showdown this Sunday as Liverpool face Brentford in a match that could shape the Reds’ top-five ambitions and Champions League hopes for 2026-27. Kick-off is set for 4:00 PM BST, with Jürgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, leading the charge in his first full season at the helm.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A draw would secure Liverpool’s place among the top five, while Brentford aim to build on their recent resurgence under new manager Keith Andrews. Here are 17 key stats and insights to consider before the whistle blows.
head-to-head and recent form
Liverpool and Brentford have locked horns 24 times across all competitions, with the Reds dominating with 15 wins compared to Brentford’s five. Crucially, Liverpool have found the net in all but one of these encounters.
In nine of their last 12 meetings, at least one team has scored three goals or more, suggesting a high-scoring affair is likely once again. Despite a 3-2 defeat in their most recent Premier League fixture, Liverpool have never lost back-to-back league games against Brentford under Slot’s management.
reds’ home dominance and milestones
If Liverpool score twice on Sunday, they will reach the 150-goal mark in Premier League matches under Arne Slot. This milestone would be a testament to the team’s attacking prowess this season.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could also etch his name in the club’s history books, as he stands on the brink of playing his 150th match for Liverpool. His contribution has been pivotal in midfield, providing both creativity and defensive stability.
The Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah, remains Liverpool’s most prolific scorer against Brentford, with seven goals in just eight appearances. He averages a goal every 95 minutes against the Bees, making him a constant threat in front of goal.
Salah could join an elite group if he finds the net on Sunday. Only Sadio Mané has managed to score the final goal of Liverpool’s season in two consecutive campaigns, back in 2020.
defensive rock and record-breaking feats
Defensive stalwart Virgil van Dijk has been a towering presence in Liverpool’s backline this season. He has played every minute of 74 out of 75 Premier League games under Slot, including all 37 matches this campaign. Should he feature for the full 90 minutes against Brentford, van Dijk, at 34 years and 320 days old, would become the oldest outfield player to play every minute of a Premier League season, surpassing John Terry’s record from 2014-15.
Van Dijk’s endurance is unmatched, having logged 4,851 minutes on the pitch this season. This is the highest tally for any outfield player at Liverpool since Sami Hyypiä’s 5,205 minutes in 2005-06.
brentford’s struggles and breakthroughs
Brentford’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last nine Premier League matches—a 3-0 victory over West Ham at the start of the month. Their inability to secure back-to-back wins highlights their challenge in breaking into the top half of the table.
Historically, Brentford have found Anfield a fortress. Since 1937, they have struggled to score in their last six away games at Liverpool, failing to find the net in any of them. Their last away win against Liverpool dates back to 1936, when they recorded a 1-0 victory.
Igor Thiago has been Brentford’s standout performer this season, netting 22 of the club’s 54 Premier League goals—a remarkable 41% share. This marks the highest single-season goal contribution by a player at Brentford since Harry Kane’s 43% for Tottenham in 2023.
Under Keith Andrews, Brentford are on track for their best-ever Premier League finish. After previous campaigns ending in 13th, ninth, 16th, and 10th places since their promotion in 2021, this season could see them climb higher in the standings.
legacy and firsts
Sunday’s match will also mark the final appearance for Andy Robertson in a Liverpool shirt. Robertson’s first professional goal in England came against Brentford, scoring in Hull City’s 2-0 win at Griffin Park. His contribution to Liverpool’s left flank over the years has been invaluable.
For Brentford, this season represents a chance to rewrite their history in the Premier League. With a new manager at the helm and a young, dynamic squad, the Bees are aiming to surpass their previous best finish and secure a top-half position.
