We’ve got a big clash between Brentford and Liverpool on Saturday. Unbeaten through six games, the Bees welcome a highly talented side to the Gtech Community Stadium as the Reds look to return to title-winning form.
Brentford are +135 moneyline favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a +260 draw. Liverpool’s moneyline is set at +190.
Brentford vs. Liverpool Prediction, Pick
Brentford has played inspired football at the start of the season. They’re 4-4-0 in competitive matches this year, with two EFL Cup wins, and 10 points from six Premier League matches. Since earning promotion in 2021-22, the Bees have climbed steadily in the Prem; they’ve finished in the top half of the table for two straight years and are looking to push for European qualification. If they keep up this sort of play, that goal is well within grasp.
Brentford’s attack has been all about the wide areas. Fueled by the league’s best crossing game, the Bees are third in total xG generated this season. Igor Thiago has stepped up as a top-line striker, but it’s a group effort. Mikkel Damsgaard, Jaidon Anthony, Kevin Schade, and Keane Lewis-Potter have all had their moments and keep constant pressure out wide.
Defensively, Brentford has been on a tightrope so far. They pile up tackles and interceptions, making big plays to offset their defensive shortcomings. Caoimhín Kelleher has been excellent in goal, piling up saves and already stealing a few points for the Bees. Kristoffer Ajer continues to set the tone in the middle of their defense, and Vitaly Janelt connects the whole team through the middle. It’s a great formula all around, and it’s rightfully pushing them to the top of the table.
Liverpool had quite the week. They were the first team to face Man City after the massive news dump about the latter’s alleged financial misdeeds; many were rooting for the Reds to put the hurt on them. But after a 62nd-minute red card for Ryan Gravenberch, the Cityzens racked up three goals, handing Liverpool a humiliating loss.
In need of a pick-me-up, the Reds faced LASK Linz in a mid-week Champions League match. Manager Andoni Iraola could have emptied his bench and still had a good shot at all three points, but sensing the importance of a win, he played some of his most important starters. Behind a hat-trick from Bradley Barcola, Liverpool raced to a 4-0 lead and went on to win 6-3.
It’s a good sign to see their attack coming into its own. Liverpool have had an excellent defense in league play, which isn’t surprising, but their attack has been disappointing. With so much investment up top—Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai are worth more than half a billion dollars—it’s rough to see them scoring only seven league goals in six games. Gakpo has held up his end of the bargain, and Barcola is still warming up, but this group needs better results. If they keep shuffling, Liverpool can kiss their title hopes goodbye.
While the Bees are flying at the moment, Liverpool seems to be finding some answers in attack. This group can dominate when they build chemistry, and Barcola is the kind of guy who can pull it together. The Reds should flex some muscle this weekend and take all three points on the road.
