Brentford v Liverpool preview: Will Bees extend record unbeaten run?

The Bees have not had a longer top-flight run since they went six games without defeat between February and March 1939!

Friday’s win also saw Brentford net two goals for a fourth successive PL game, although, another multi-goal return may be more tricky here given they are likely to be without talisman Ivan Toney who jarred his knee before being stretchered off at the London Stadium.

Toney is almost certain to miss this clash with Liverpool, yet given the Bees’ form and record at the beginning of a new calendar year - they’ve won each of their last three opening matches - confidence may still be high in the home dressing room.

‘If you can’t be good, be lucky’ is a phrase that certainly applied to Liverpool on Friday night as they came from behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 at Anfield thanks to two rather fortuitous own goals from Wout Faes. Despite that luck, it was the fourth PL win on the bounce for Jürgen Klopp’s men who are building a head of steam as they gear up to face a side they’ve not lost to in nine competitive meetings (W7, D2).

Although form is good for the Merseysiders, January tends to test Klopp’s Reds the most. Liverpool have won just 23 of their 49 competitive games in the month of January under the German (47%), which is their lowest win rate in any month throughout his reign. They have also lost more games in January than any other month during his tenure (14).

Key battle: Ahead of the round, Brentford’s David Raya has made more saves than any other PL keeper (75). He’ll now face the erratic but effective Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez who is averaging a league-high 5.99 shots per 90.

Hot streak: Liverpool have scored in each of their last 26 PL away games in London.

Follow Brentford v Liverpool on Monday at 5.30pm on Flashscore