Three things to watch in Liverpool's Premier League clash versus Brentford

It's officially a new time at Liverpool as the new season is truly underway and rolling. Next u on the docket is Brentford on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s home competitive debut

Arne Slot has sampled an Anfield matchday twice previously, once as a fan, and once as Reds manager in their 4-1 friendly win over Sevilla a couple of weeks ago.

A lot of the regular match-goers will return after the summer break against Brentford. That coupled with the pressure of a competitive Premier League fixture, will make this game feel more intense both in the stands and on the pitch.

Last week’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town will have given him some precedent though, as the Reds weathered a charged opening day atmosphere at the newly-promoted Tractor Boys.

While it was never under the spotlight of a Sunday afternoon kick-off in the Premier League, Slot has experience of big atmospheres and pressure outings during his time as Feyenoord boss.

It will also be interesting to see if Slot gives any acknowledgement to the home fans on his formal home debut, having not gone over to the Travelling Kop after Liverpool’s win against Ipswich, nor the home crowd after the Sevilla friendly.

How will Luis Diaz fare in-front of goal

Having looked sharp during Liverpool’s successful pre-season, Luis Diaz will be looking to make his mark early in Liverpool’s Premier League campaign.

The Colombian winger was widely linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, and needs to consolidate his place in the team, facing fierce competition on the left from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

Diaz, now 27, needs to improve on his end product this campaign, having failed to find the net against Ipswich, and missing the target from four yards out at Portman Road.

Last weekend, Diaz had an expected goal involvement (XGI) of 0.84, indicating that Diaz created quality chances and received good goalscoring opportunities.

Will Jarell Quansah keep his place?

One of the emerging storylines from Liverpool’s opening day outing was the early substitution of centre-back Jarell Quansah, following a difficult first-half for the Warrington native.

After the game, (according to the Metro) Arne Slot said: “‘First thing was we don’t have to speak about tactics if you don’t lose so many duels.

“Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels – but I think we needed Konate to win the long balls through the air from their number nine.”

Quansah earnt more minutes in pre-season than Ibrahima Konate, who replaced him against Ipswich Town.

It will be interesting to see who Slot opts with against Brentford, Quansah might well be preferred against Brentford’s smaller frontline if the Bees are without Ivan Toney.

Konate too has had his troubles, struggling in Jurgen Klopp’s final few games.