Liverpool reunite with Jordan Henderson when they head to Brentford, but how key will their former captain be this weekend?
The Reds must bounce back from three Premier League defeats in a row when they travel to London on Saturday, with the 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt a step in the right direction.
For Brentford, they are faring better than many predicted back in August, with two wins in three matches suggesting things are improving under Keith Andrews.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, we spoke to Brentford fan Billy Grant (@billythebee99) to preview a big game, discuss how Caoimhin Kelleher and Henderson are faring, and more.
How happy are you with Brentford’s start to the season?
Considering most people wrote Brentford off before the season had even started, I don’t think we’ve done too badly at all.
We lost Thomas Frank to Tottenham, replaced by our set-piece coach, lost our backroom staff and top attackers Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa, with the latter going on strike.
We also had our captain Christian Norgaard leave for Arsenal, and our goalkeeper Mark Flekken depart for Bayer Leverkusen.
We have beaten Aston Villa, Man United and West Ham, and are on the same points and goal difference as the same number of games last season.
Which three players have stood out most? Anyone struggled?
Michael Kayode. He is a terrace legend within weeks of joining.
Mikkel Damsgaard is unplayable at times, while Igor Thiago is the third top scorer in the Premier League and improving every week with his infectious enthusiasm.
How well are Kelleher and Henderson doing overall?
Jordan Henderson is an absolute leader. He has really got the team organised and motivated, which was needed after the summer upheaval.
Caoimhin Kelleher will grow into the team – he is a great shot stopper and has made a number of excellent penalty saves so far this season.
His distribution is good and improving, too.
Where he needs to work on his game is aerial domination, in terms of plucking the ball out of the air and not punching it so much.
What’s the main aim for Brentford this season?
This is a consolidation season because of so many changes.
Plus Thiago, Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry are back from long-term injuries, which is like signing new players.
We need them, the new players and Keith Andrews to bed in, have a season free from relegation worry and then concentrate on pushing on next season.
How do you rate Liverpool’s title chances? No longer favourites?
There’s always a chance for teams like Liverpool with a bunch of excellent players, but to an extent, it’s out of their hands now, even though it’s only October.
Ask me again after Saturday.
Looking ahead to Saturday, where will the key battles take place?
In midfield, it will be a case of will Henderson manage to control that area? And will our defence hold out against your attack?
Because it can be lethal.
If we can nick one fine, but it’s more about us trying to limit Liverpool, then Kayode instigating a bit of chaos on the break.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
I will say Brentford 1-1 Liverpool.
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