Liverpool will aim to make the first title statement in Gameweek 25 of the 2023/24 Premier League season when they visit Brentford in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Thomas Frank’s Bees have spluttered throughout the season and sit 14th, though victory last time out at Wolves moved them six points clear of the relegation zone.

The Reds remain perched at the top of the table, two points clear of Manchester City having played a game more, and bounced back from defeat at Arsenal by seeing off Burnley at Anfield.

Here’s 90min’s preview of Saturday’s encounter.

Brentford’s switch to a three-player defence initially failed to end their winless run but victories against Nottingham Forest and Wolves have eased some of their worries.

However, the Bees remain without some prominent first-team squad members. Key attacker Bryan Mbeumo isn’t expected back until March, while Aaron Hickey and Kevin Schade won’t play again this month. Rico Henry is a long-term absentee.

It’s likely to be a similar starting XI to the Wolves win, though manager Frank could be boosted by the returns of Yoane Wissa and Frank Onyeka from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Brentford predicted lineup vs Liverpool (3-5-2): Flekken; Collins, Pinnock, Mee; Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Reguilon; Maupay, Toney.

Mohamed Salah has been pictured in training for the first time since a hamstring injury ended his AFCON campaign with Egypt. He could be involved on Saturday, with Jurgen Klopp expected to give an update before the weekend.

Elsewhere, the injuries have piled up for the title hopefuls. Trent Alexander-Arnold has already been ruled out of the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea later in February with a knee injury, while Thiago is back on the sidelines following his brief return at Arsenal. Dominik Szoboszlai is also a major doubt. Alisson is also expected to miss out with a hamstring problem.

Ibrahima Konate is available again after suspension and Joe Gomez returned to training after missing the Burnley win through illness.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo, Jones; Jota, Nunez, Diaz.

Liverpool are chasing a first victory at the Gtech Community Stadium, having gone winless in the two games at Brentford since their promotion in 2021. A raft of potential absentees will also make their preparation for the trip down south trickier.

Brentford made life difficult in spells during their last home outing against Man City and will hope to capitalise on the injuries the Reds will have to deal with on Saturday afternoon.

However, the visitors have got the job done so far this season without always looking convincing and may do so again here, extending their lead over their rivals at the top of the Premier League in the process.