Ekitike (left) and Slot will be out to carry on the fine work from midweek. — Reuters
AFTER four consecutive defeats, the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in midweek was a welcome respite for Liverpool.
This will give the Reds a morale boost as they travel to Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford tomorrow.
Still, Arne Slot cannot afford to let his side rest on their laurels, and must be fully prepared for what will be a very different ball game.
Slot, whose in-game management proved decisive in winning the Premier League last season, needs to show again that he can make the right decisions.
Some players, regardless of their transfer fees or seniority in the squad, need to be dropped when they are underperforming.
The manager may still be trying to give some of them time to adapt, but he should also consider benching them in favour of players who have impressed when given the chance.
The Dutch boss showed last season that he can be ruthless, so there is no reason why he cannot make the same calls.
Mohamed Salah, Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister are among those who have not been at their best for a number of good reasons.
A spell on the bench might take them out of the firing line and ease the pressure.
Federico Chiesa, Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones deserve more opportunities to show again that they belong in the starting XI.
Chiesa has two goals and three assists in all competitions this season, despite limited minutes.
Salah, who has started all eight Premier League matches, has two goals and two assists.
The Egyptian will no doubt be eager to improve on those numbers, but that eagerness can sometimes lead to poor decision-making – shooting instead of passing, for instance.
With Salah likely to start again against Brentford, he may need to prioritise the team’s success over personal glory.
The Bees are a strong side capable of giving any team a tough time, as they have shown in recent weeks.
Their 2-0 win over West Ham United earlier this week will give them confidence heading into the clash with the reigning champions.
Several former Liverpool players, including ex-captain Jordan Henderson, Caoimhin Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho, will be motivated to show their former club what they are missing.
Brentford’s frontman Igor Thiago will also be a threat to the Reds’ defence.
Liverpool may appear to be back in full stride after the midweek win, but they must stay focused and avoid being stung again, especially by a late goal. — By IVAN LOH
