The ECHO spoke to Brentford fan Jake Murtagh ahead of Liverpool's trip to London for the Saturday 3pm kick-off
Caoimhin Kelleher of Brentford makes a save during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Caoimhin Kelleher of Brentford makes a save during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Liverpool take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday (Oct 17), as the Reds look to return to winning ways after a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City ended a streak of three successive clean sheets in the Premier League.
Andoni Iraola's side romped to a confidence-boosting 6-3 away win at Austrian champions LASK in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night (Oct 14), with £123m signing Bradley Barcola opening his goalscoring account and finishing the game with a first-ever hat-trick as a senior professional.
Brentford are one of just three unbeaten teams remaining in England's top flight, alongside last week's opponents Man City and local rivals Everton, and currently sit a point ahead of Liverpool in fourth place after six games of the new season.
Keith Andrews' hard-running side currently have a longer unbeaten run at home than any other Premier League side, last tasting defeat at the Gtech against Brighton and Hove Albion in February, but Liverpool will hope to end that streak as they go on the hunt for their third league win of the season.
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As we build up to the game, the ECHO spoke to Reach's director of sport, Jake Murtagh - a lifelong Brentford fan - to get his take on the Bees' season so far.
Four draws, but unbeaten and fourth in the table. How happy are you with Brentford's start to the season?
It's been a really impressive start to the season and we currently boast the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League dating back to last season.
We've had two impressive home wins in London derbies, coupled with some hard-fought draws on the road, with the Leeds result probably the only game where we deserved more after playing them off of the park in the first half at Elland Road.
Mamadou Sangare looks like a terrific signing. How impressed are you with him, and your other new players?
Mamadou Sangare oozes class and is a real Rolls Royce signing. He was on the radar of some other clubs, but we managed to get it over the line and I've no doubt some of the bigger clubs will be sniffing around him in a year or two.
Jaidon Anthony has proven Premier League pedigree while Callum Wilson offers us back up in attack for Igor Thiago, who hasn't hit the same heights as last season just yet.
Jannik Schuster is arguably the biggest success story so far. Bought in as probably a squad player, the youngster has been thrust into action and has really held his own in the Premier League so far.
What did you make of Henderson's move to Chelsea?
It was disappointing to see Jordan Henderson leave but in reality it was a move that suited all parties. His experience was invaluable last season after we lost Christian Norgaard but he would've been a bit-part player this campaign, so his departure has freed up some wages for other new signings instead.
Who have been your best and worst players so far?
Kevin Schade has probably grabbed all of the headlines and his goals have been vital with Igor Thiago misfiring. Schade's compatriot, Vitaly Janelt, has been brilliant again and his exploits earned him a first call up to Jurgen Klopp's Germany squad where he made his debut in the last round of matches. Not bad for a player who cost around £500k!
I don't think there have been any poor performers but we would've expected more from Thiago given his impact last season.
What is the realistic aim for Brentford this season - and how far can you go under Keith Andrews?
We came so close to claiming a European spot last season, with that draw at Anfield on the final day denying us a European tour. We have kept the nucleus of the squad together so the aim has to be to go one better this season.
It's early days but so far, so good. Some of our rivals are in Europe already so that may hinder their chances once the games start coming thick and fast.
How have the former Reds - Kelleher, van den Berg and Carvalho - been getting on?
Caoimhin Kelleher has been rock-solid between the sticks and has established himself as one of the most reliable keepers in the Premier League.
Sepp van den Berg did well last season but has been hampered by injury so far this term, while Fabio Carvalho has shown glimpses but never really established himself in the team.
A serious injury last term curtailed his progress, but he is back fighting fit and is in and amongst the squad.
What have you made of Liverpool under Iraola so far?
I think everyone would've probably expected more from Liverpool than the two wins they have to their name so far. That being said, they are a team in transition and still boast quality throughout their squad and on the bench.
No doubt they will be a tough proposition at the weekend and will be in and amongst the Champions League spots come May.
How are Brentford fans feeling about the Man City situation - especially given you only just missed out on Europe last season?
I don't think City's situation has had a big impact on Brentford, but if City are hit with a points deduction it should boost our chances of European football.
Where do you see the key battles taking place this weekend and how do you think Andrews will set up?
Brentford have generally performed well against Liverpool at the Gtech and hopefully Saturday is no different. Virgil van Dijk will have his hands full with Igor Thiago, while Kevin Schade's pace will pose a big threat down the left if he passes a fitness test in time.
What's your score prediction?
I am going for a 3-1 home win.