barcelona-champions-league
Liverpool will need to rediscover their defensive discipline when they travel to face unbeaten Brentford on Saturday.
Andoni Iraola’s side responded to their defeat against Man City by beating LASK 6-3 in the Champions League on Wednesday, and that victory offered encouragement in attack, with Bradley Barcola scoring a hat-trick, Florian Wirtz looking more influential and several young players taking their chance to impress.
bradley-barcola-liverpool
However, conceding three times against LASK after losing 3-0 to City means Liverpool cannot travel to the Gtech Community Stadium feeling completely comfortable.
Brentford still haven't lost in any competition so far this season and held Aston Villa to a 2-2 draw last weekend.
Keith Andrews has built a side that is organised without the ball, aggressive in midfield and capable of punishing mistakes.
||||
Match stat LASK Liverpool
Score 3 6
Possession 36% 64%
Expected goals (xG) 2.04 3.35
Total shots 12 26
Shots on target 4 9
Shots off target 8 17
Corners 3 11
Touches inside opposition box 23 51
Passes completed 258 526
Total passes 316 578
Pass accuracy 82% 91%
Chances created 11 20
Big chances created 4 5
Offsides 3 6
Fouls 7 4
Yellow cards 1 0
Red cards 0 0
Hit woodwork 0 1
Liverpool must also cope without the suspended Ryan Gravenberch, while Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai are all doubts for the clash.
The Reds will expect to win, but this is the type of awkward away game that can expose any weakness.
It also provides timely context to a report on Barcelona defender Jules Koundé.
Liverpool in Jules Koundé contact as Barcelona set £52m transfer price
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
According to 4-4-2, Liverpool are in contact with the France international via intermediaries as they explore whether a deal could become possible in January.
Kounde is reportedly giving thought to his future this winter after losing his guaranteed starting position at Barca.
Eric Garcia has moved ahead of him in the pecking order, having been used regularly by Hansi Flick this season, and that change is significant because Kounde was previously one of the first names on his team sheet.
hansi-flick-barcelona-la-liga
The report claims he is no longer ruling out a January move, and while no formal offer has arrived just yet, discussions are said to be taking place behind the scenes.
Barcelona would reportedly demand at least £52 million before agreeing to sell the 27-year-old, and Liverpool are not alone in monitoring the situation.
Chelsea retain a long-standing interest, while Man United and Arsenal have reportedly been informed that Kounde could consider changing clubs next window.
jules-kounde-france
Liverpool signed Ronald Araújo on loan from Barca during the summer, but his move is temporary.
Kounde could compete at centre back while also covering the right flank, while his recovery speed and comfort in possession would suit a Liverpool team that wants to defend high up the pitch and build attacks from deep.
The cost would still be a major obstacle, especially in January, as Barça are under absolutely zero pressure to accept a reduced fee because Kounde’s contract has several years still to run.