After Liverpool were only able to put one shot on target in an EFL Cup draw against a ten-man Arsenal side on Thursday, they'll hope to bring their finishing boots to this clash with Brentford. With a victory, Liverpool can go into sole possession of second place in the Premier League but Brentford will also want a bounce-back performance after falling flat to Southampton on Tuesday. Thomas Frank's side is comfortably above the relegation zone, but they've shown the ambition to compete with the top sides in the Premier League which will make a clash with a shorthanded Liverpool quite interesting.

Here's are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:

How to watch and odds

  • Date: Sunday, Jan. 16th | Time: 9 a.m. ET
  • Location: Anfield -- Liverpool, England
  • TV: USA | Live stream: fuboTV -- Try for free
  • Odds: Liverpool -370; Draw +460; Brentford +1100 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

Storylines

Liverpool: With Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool will need someone to bring the goals. The hope is that it will be the number two scorer in the Premier League, Diogo Jota, but at times he can struggle to get shots on target. If Jota hits the target, it's likely going in as 10 of his 19 shots on frame have turned into goals. One thing that Jurgen Klopp will take away from the League Cup draw against Arsenal is that Curtis Jones likely needs to start this game as James Milner in midfield is too conservative for teams that can sit deep which would give Brentford an area to exploit.

Brentford: It's hard to know what to expect from the Bees at this stage of the season. While they have struggled with injuries, their last three results are a gritty loss to Manchester City, a comeback victory over Aston Villa, and an embarrassing loss to Southampton. Brentford have been pretty consistent at home this season but defensively they've struggled in away matches allowing 18 goals in ten games, compared to 12 goals in their ten home fixtures. This will give Liverpool hope that they can break Brentford down, but if Ivan Toney can end his five-match scoreless streak, that would be enough to get Brentford going again.

Prediction

Brentford keep it close but Roberto Firmino will net a silky winner as he loves a goal at Anfield.  Pick: Liverpool 2, Brentford 1