Liverpool vs Brentford: Jarell Quansah Dropped in Predicted Starting XI for Reds’ First Home Game This Season

Liverpool are set to continue their Premier League campaign this weekend with a home match against Brentford at Anfield. The focus is now on who will be selected for the Reds’ starting XI.

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot kicked off his first season in charge with a strong 2-0 win over Ipswich Town last weekend. The Dutch coach will be eager to build on that success by securing another three points in this upcoming fixture.

Despite no new signings being made so far, Slot is expected to have his full squad at his disposal. No injuries have been reported ahead of Sunday’s 4:30 pm kick-off.

The main question now is, who will be in Liverpool’s starting XI for their first home game of the 2024/25 season against Brentford?

Here’s Newsnow Liverpool‘s take on the possible lineup…

Goalkeeper – Alisson

Alisson delivered a flawless performance in Liverpool’s opening match, and as long as he remains fit, he is likely to start the majority of games as the Reds’ goalkeeper this season.

The Brazilian shot-stopper will aim to secure his second clean sheet of the campaign, while also seeking to make a strong case for the Premier League’s Golden Glove, following a 2023/24 season disrupted by injury.

Right-back – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Although Trent was replaced by Connor Bradley in the 77th minute of Liverpool’s opening league match, he is still anticipated to start the next game as vice-captain.

Despite a shorter pre-season and a mixed experience at the Euros with England, the 25-year-old impressed against Ipswich, delivering a superb pass that led to Diogo Jota’s opening goal.

Much like Alisson, if he’s fit, there’s no reason why Liverpool’s No. 66 shouldn’t be in the starting lineup.

Centre-back – Ibrahima Konaté

Jarell Quansah was chosen over Konaté for the season opener, but the 21-year-old was substituted at halftime and received criticism from Slot after the match for not winning enough of his duels.

Konaté entered the game in the second half, and Liverpool began to find their rhythm in front of goal.

While the Frenchman didn’t directly contribute to either of Liverpool’s goals, he appeared well-prepared for the season once on the field. Slot will be aiming to replicate Liverpool’s dominant second-half performance at Portman Road during this weekend’s match at Anfield.

Centre-back – Virgil Van Dijk

The Liverpool captain is expected to be a regular starter throughout the season. He began the campaign strongly with a solid performance against Ipswich and will aim to contain threats like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa this weekend.

Following a shortened pre-season, the 33-year-old will be eager to play another full 90 minutes and guide Liverpool to another win.

Left-back – Andy Robertson

Despite concerns about Robertson’s fitness leading up to Liverpool’s opening match, he played nearly 80 minutes and appears set to start again this weekend.

Robertson, who participated only partially in Liverpool’s pre-season, will be aiming to improve his match fitness. This upcoming game offers a valuable opportunity for him to gain more playing time before Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford in early September—a match Robertson is eager to be a part of.

Centre midfield – Alexis Mac Allister

Following a standout debut season with the Reds, Mac Allister aims to establish himself as one of the top midfielders in the league this year.

He delivered a strong performance against Ipswich and, amid the ongoing discussions about Liverpool’s midfield choices this summer, appears set to play a pivotal role in Slot’s squad.

Having scored a superb goal against Brentford in the corresponding fixture last season, Mac Allister might be eager to kick off his scoring tally for this season on Sunday.

Centre midfield – Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool have been actively searching for a new holding midfielder throughout the summer to strengthen Slot’s squad. For their opening match, they opted to use Ryan Gravenberch.

While his performance received mixed feedback, it’s challenging to suggest that any other player currently at Liverpool could perform better in the no.6 role. An extended run of games in this position might be just what Gravenberch needs to secure a permanent spot in the starting XI.

Attacking midfield – Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai, who made a notable impression during his debut season with Liverpool, is coming off a strong pre-season with the club following a less successful stint with Hungary at the Euros. He showed promise in the match against Ipswich and will aim to continue his impressive performances to secure a spot in the starting lineup, competing with players like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones.

Right forward – Mohamed Salah

In Liverpool’s opening match, Salah was named the man of the match, displaying exceptional sharpness by scoring and assisting, which further extended his record-breaking streak of goals on opening days.

Salah appeared to be Liverpool’s primary threat, and Reds fans can anticipate this level of performance to persist in their upcoming fixture this weekend.

Left forward – Luis Diaz

There has been considerable speculation regarding Liverpool’s left-wing position, with various transfer rumors and the possibility of Diaz leaving at times.

However, Diaz was named as the starting left winger in Liverpool’s opener and appears to be an integral part of Slot’s plans for the season.

His main competition for the spot is Cody Gakpo, but the Dutchman was deployed in the center when he came on against Ipswich. It seems Diaz is likely to start once more.

Striker – Diogo Jota

Jota is currently in exceptional form for Liverpool. He followed up an impressive finish in the pre-season friendly against Seville with the opening goal in Liverpool’s most recent game against Ipswich.

Jota seems poised to claim the striker position at Liverpool this season, and anyone else vying for the role, including Cody Gakpo or Darwin Núñez, will face a tough challenge to replace him.

In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot May Be Paving the Way for a Talented Liverpool Youngster to Break Into the First-team