Liverpool’s lineup against Brentford is shaping up to be a real head-scratcher, and it all hinges on one big question: Will Alexander Isak be fit to play? The club’s record signing, who recently made his second start in four days against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, has been gradually building his fitness after a jaw-dropping £125 million move from Newcastle on deadline day. But here’s where it gets tricky: Manager Arne Slot described the 26-year-old as “a question mark” for Saturday’s clash in west London, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. “Alex isn’t in bad shape, but he’s a doubt for the weekend—we’ll see how he progresses,” Slot told reporters on Friday. If Isak is ruled out, all eyes will be on Hugo Ekitike to lead the attack at the Gtech Community Stadium. Liverpool desperately need to regain momentum after their Frankfurt victory snapped a brutal four-game losing streak across all competitions. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, who’s been struggling for form, is pushing to reclaim his starting spot after being benched midweek, only playing 16 minutes as a substitute.
And this is the part most people miss: Ryan Gravenberch’s availability is another wildcard. The midfielder missed the Frankfurt trip entirely due to an ankle injury sustained in Liverpool’s shocking 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United last weekend. “He didn’t travel with us, but he’s back in training today—let’s see where he stands,” Slot said. If Gravenberch isn’t ready, Alexis Mac Allister, who played most of the United game with protective headgear after an early knock, is expected to start, possibly alongside Curtis Jones or a deeper-lying Dominik Szoboszlai.
Between the posts, Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue to fill in for Alisson Becker, whose hamstring injury is taking longer to heal than expected. “Alisson won’t be in the squad tomorrow—it’s going to take a bit more time,” Slot confirmed. Adding to the injury woes, Jeremie Frimpong is out for several weeks with a hamstring issue, while Wataru Endo is back on the bench after a minor knock. Giovanni Leoni remains the only other confirmed absentee, recovering from ACL surgery.
But here’s the controversial bit: Despite his £116 million price tag, Florian Wirtz has yet to make a significant impact at Liverpool. Will this be the game where he finally sparks his Anfield career into life? Or is the pressure too much for the young star? Let’s not forget, Brentford won’t roll over—they’re a tough side at home, and this could be a real test of Liverpool’s resilience.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Injured: Frimpong, Alisson, Leoni
Doubts: Isak, Gravenberch
When & Where: 8pm BST, Saturday, October 25, 2025, Gtech Community Stadium, London
How to Watch: TNT Sports
Thought-provoking question for you: With so many key players either injured or out of form, is Liverpool’s season already at a crossroads? Or can they turn it around starting with Brentford? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
