Liverpool vs Brentford: Premier League Preview, May 24
Liverpool FC host Brentford at Anfield on Sunday, May 24 at 15:00 in a Premier League fixture that sees the Reds in stronger recent form. Liverpool have won two of their last five matches, with three draws interspersed, while Brentford arrive on the back of a more inconsistent run featuring two losses in their last five outings. The head-to-head record heavily favours the hosts, who have won six of the last nine meetings between these sides. This preview examines form, tactical approaches, and what to expect from both teams.
Form Guide: Liverpool's Steadier Trajectory
Liverpool's recent form reads WDDDW, indicating a mixed but ultimately positive trend heading into this fixture. The Reds have secured victories in their most recent match and one earlier in the sequence, though three consecutive draws suggest periods where they have failed to convert dominance into wins. This pattern is typical of a side capable of controlling matches but occasionally lacking the clinical edge required to break down resolute opponents. The two wins bookend a three-match sequence without victory, which may reflect fixture congestion or tactical adjustments during this phase of the season.
Brentford's form of WLLDL presents a notably more turbulent picture. The Bees have won just one of their last five matches, with two losses and two draws comprising the remainder. This inconsistency suggests defensive vulnerabilities or difficulties in maintaining attacking threat across consecutive fixtures. For a side that has built its reputation on structured play and set-piece efficiency, this recent dip represents a concerning trend as they approach this away fixture against one of the league's traditional powerhouses.
Head-to-Head Record: Liverpool's Clear Dominance
The historical record between these clubs strongly favours Liverpool. In the last nine meetings, Liverpool have won six matches, Brentford two, with one draw. This 6-2-1 record demonstrates a clear pattern of Liverpool's superiority in direct competition. The Reds have consistently found ways to break down Brentford's defensive structure, suggesting tactical familiarity and the ability to exploit specific weaknesses in the visitors' setup. For Brentford, the challenge is not merely to compete but to overturn a significant historical disadvantage in this particular fixture.
The single draw in this sequence indicates that Brentford have at least managed to frustrate Liverpool on occasion, suggesting that a defensive, compact approach can yield results. However, the six Liverpool victories demonstrate that such defensive resilience is insufficient when facing a side with the attacking resources available to the hosts. Brentford will need to identify and execute a specific tactical plan that deviates from their recent unsuccessful approach if they are to alter this unfavourable trend.
Tactical Outlook: Liverpool's Attacking Advantage
Liverpool's recent form, despite the draws, suggests a side comfortable in possession and capable of creating chances. The three consecutive draws indicate that the Reds are generating opportunities but may be encountering well-organised defensive blocks. Against Brentford, Liverpool will likely employ their characteristic high-pressing system, designed to win the ball in advanced areas and transition quickly into attacking sequences. The home advantage at Anfield provides both a psychological benefit and tactical advantage, as the pitch dimensions and crowd support typically favour Liverpool's aggressive approach.
Brentford's defensive record in recent matches suggests they may struggle to contain Liverpool's attacking movements without additional support from midfield. The visitors will likely adopt a compact, structured defensive shape, potentially utilising set-pieces as their primary attacking outlet given their known proficiency in this area. However, Brentford's recent form indicates they have been unable to execute this plan consistently, and they face the additional challenge of doing so away from home against a side with superior recent form and a dominant head-to-head record.
Set-Pieces and Brentford's Tactical Identity
Brentford have built their competitive model significantly around set-piece efficiency, both in attack and defence. This tactical identity becomes particularly relevant when facing Liverpool, a side that has historically been vulnerable to well-executed set-play routines. Given Brentford's recent defensive struggles, their ability to defend set-pieces will be equally critical. Liverpool, with their attacking prowess, will likely create multiple opportunities from open play, but Brentford's set-piece threat remains their most credible avenue for scoring.
The visitors' reliance on set-pieces reflects their overall tactical philosophy: structured, efficient, and designed to maximise limited opportunities. Against Liverpool's possession-dominant approach, Brentford may find themselves with fewer clear-cut chances from open play. Therefore, their execution from dead-ball situations becomes disproportionately important. The question for Brentford is whether they can maintain the concentration and precision required for set-piece success while simultaneously defending against Liverpool's attacking transitions.
What the Context Tells Us
The available data points to a fixture where Liverpool enter as clear favourites. Their superior recent form, dominant head-to-head record, and home advantage combine to create a significant structural advantage. Brentford's inconsistent recent results suggest a side struggling to find consistency, which is precisely the wrong moment to face a Liverpool team that, despite their draws, has shown more control and winning capability. The Reds' two victories in their last five matches, while not exceptional, represent a better trajectory than Brentford's single win in the same period.
For Brentford, this fixture represents a significant challenge requiring either a tactical innovation or a dramatic improvement in execution compared to recent performances. The away fixture compounds these difficulties, as does the historical record. However, football matches are determined by performance on the day, and Brentford's set-piece threat and defensive structure provide a foundation upon which they might build a competitive performance. Liverpool, conversely, will be expected to convert their advantages into a positive result.
Frequently asked questions
When does Liverpool FC vs Brentford kick off?
The match kicks off at 15:00 (3:00 PM) on Sunday, May 24.
What is Liverpool's recent form?
Liverpool's recent form is WDDDW, meaning they have won two of their last five matches, with three draws in between.
What is Brentford's recent form?
Brentford's recent form is WLLDL, indicating one win, two losses, and two draws across their last five matches.
What is the head-to-head record between Liverpool and Brentford?
In their last nine meetings, Liverpool have won six matches, Brentford have won two, and there has been one draw. Liverpool hold a clear advantage in direct competition.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being played at Anfield, Liverpool's home stadium.
Where to watchWatch Liverpool vs Brentford on Sunday at 15:00 to see whether the Reds can extend their head-to-head dominance, or if Brentford can upset the odds with an improved performance and set-piece threat.
AI-assisted analysis based on pre-match form, head-to-head and odds data. Not betting advice.