Premier League: Saturday Night Bees Out to Sting Liverpool

Brentford vs Liverpool

I mentioned at the start of the Premier League season that I feared for Brentford this term and, two months in, nothing has really changed – although they have actually fared better than I was expecting.

They sit in 13^th position after eight games with five points separating them from the drop zone so, all things considered, can count themselves quietly content with their start.

Yes, this is the club from west London which, since being promoted to the top flight for the first time in 74 years in 2021, has exceeded all expectations on a shoestring, upsetting some of the big boys and generally being a tough nut to crack with limited resources.

But there comes a time when, in a world of big spending power, that can only last so long as they constantly have to/decide to sell on many of their top talents as seen again this summer (think Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa).

So, can they really continue to deliver Premier League 2025 highlights against the elite?

As the champions come to town, we are about to find out.

 

Talking Points

Liverpool have lost three league games in a row, most notably to arch rivals Manchester United, and you suspect Brentford will relish taking the game to their illustrious visitors.

They ended their wait for a first away league victory on Monday night by putting two past West Ham, helped by Igor Thiago who appears to be easing the loss of Mbeumo and Wissa in attack.

New manager Keith Andrews has a thankless task in many ways, replacing Thomas Frank who was the club’s public face; the man who made it all happen, someone who embodied and fronted the rise of one of London’s smaller concerns.

The Bees have also had to cope with further loss of on-field leadership, most notably in club captain Christian Nørgaard, veteran centre-back Ben Mee and goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

Yet despite having a rookie manager, appointed from within to replace Frank, they appear to be capable of a higher finish than I was anticipating.

In the hosts ranks on Saturday night will be as many as three players with Liverpool ties, including their one-time captain, Jordan Henderson, and impressive goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, all of whom will be keen to make their mark at what should be a bouncing Gtech Community Stadium.

The Merseysiders, who did return to winning ways in Champions League in midweek, possess a formidable squad but will be missing two of their big summer signings in Jeremy Frimpong and Alexander Isak.

Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Gomes are doubts for the home side.

 

History

They may only be competing in a top-flight campaign for the fifth time in the past three quarters of a century but they have shaken the Merseysiders up on more than one occasion.

Not least in January 2023 when the Bees ran out worthy winners against their exalted but often abject opponents on what evolved into a very special night in West London.

On that occasion, Ibrahima Konate had a torrid time as he scored an own goal before being shoved off the ball for Mbeumo’s decisive third goal.

Wissa netted the other with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replying for the Reds.

The Merseysiders have won the subsequent five league meetings, including a double last term.

This fixture was set for a draw until Darwin Nunez netted twice at the death, while goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah sealed a 2-0 home win at the start of last season.

Overall, Liverpool have 15 wins with four Brentford victories and a further four draws.

The only time Brentford have won at Anfield was in 1937 when they recorded a 4-3 success. 

 

Betting Tip

The Bees are on course 1X2 @ 4.07 which would earn you a very nice payday indeed with the SBOTOP Premier League 2025 betting odds.

Liverpool by contrast are priced 1X2 @ 1.68.

The Asian Handicap odds range from Brentford +0.50 @ 2.28 to the Merseysiders -1.00 @ 2.23.

The draw @ 3.85 may appeal to some, while goal bets on offer include Total Goal 0-1 @ 4.62, 2-3 @ 2.16 and 4-6 @ 2.56.

I think Brentford will give this a damn good go as they look to build on a repeat of their victory over Man Utd almost a month ago.

I just can’t see it though and, instead of opting for a re-run of last season’s meeting – Correct Score 0-2 is priced @ 10.00 – I’m going for Half Time Full Time Draw Away @ 5.20 as a * tip.

   

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