Slot makes key midfield choice as decision made over Salah recall: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Brentford

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Liverpool must get back to winning ways in the Premier League as they face a tricky-looking visit to Brentford on Saturday night.The Reds have lost their last three league matches, and could blow another hole in their title chances if they add a fourth at the Gtech Community Stadium.Thankfully, Liverpool did at least stop the rot in the Champions League in midweek, with Arne Slot treated to a much better performance from his team.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Here’s what we think he’ll choose.

Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesDefenceSlot has confirmed that Alisson Becker is still missing ahead of this one, leaving Giorgi Mamardashvili to go in search of his first Premier League win as Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper.Mamardashvili’s defence looked far better in Frankfurt on Wednesday, and Slot must decide whether to keep things the same, or change it up slightly.Jeremie Frimpong is definitely out, meaning Conor Bradley is set for another chance to claim the shirt on a longer term basis.The biggest call arguably comes at left-back, where Andy Robertson delivered a composed performance at odds with the erratic nature of Milos Kerkez‘s recent displays on Wednesday. READ MORE: Liverpool insiders give clue over Mohamed Salah’s Anfield future after social media storm – EXCLUSIVESlot has praised Kerkez in the build-up to the game, though, and we think the Hungarian will return.At centre-back, there is simply no debate.

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will be needed to repel in-form Brentford striker Igor Thiago.MidfieldThere is a strong argument that Slot has not found the best combination in midfield so far this season.However, the Liverpool head coach will have been pleased with what he saw from Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai on Wednesday.Jones put in a statement performance, while Szoboszlai ran the show in a way Liverpool fans have become accustomed to this season. Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts 3 LiverpoolLiverpool8 5 0 3 14 11 3 15 Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts 14 BrentfordBrentford8 3 1 4 11 12 -1 10 Whether Jones continues may be dependent on the fitness of Ryan Gravenberch, but even if the Dutchman is fit, Liverpool’s Scouser in the team should get the nod.Having registered his first Champions League assists for the Reds on Wednesday, Florian Wirtz has to be backed to go again.AttackIt was fascinating to see how Slot used Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike together for the first time in a starting XI in midweek.Unfortunately, we are unlikely to see that in action again on Saturday, with Isak struggling with a groin issue.After scoring against his former side, Ekitike is a man in form, and he should come back in for his first Premier League start since September 20th.Cody Gakpo has quietly scored in his last five games for club and country, and although fans would still like to see Federico Chiesa given a chance from the start, the Dutchman is likely to retain the shirt here.Isak’s injury makes things easier for Slot in the case of Salah, and although the 33-year-old is arguably in the worst form of his Liverpool career, he is surely set to return at Brentford.Now would be a good time for Salah to find his shooting boots once again.Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs Brentford