Liverpool vs Brentford (Premier League): odds and bets 24.05.2026

The season draws to a close at Anfield (Matchday 38), with both sides looking towards Europe: Liverpool need to finish the job to secure their Champions League spot, whilst Brentford arrive with a genuine hope of sneaking into a European place if results go their way. This is a match with real significance, not just a formality: the atmosphere points to a special afternoon at home, and that usually drives Liverpool to play with more pace and press high up the pitch.

When it comes to betting, I look at two key factors. First, the emotional backdrop (possible farewells and a final match at Anfield for key players) which usually boosts the home side’s intensity. Second, Brentford’s style: a brave side on the break, capable of competing even when they don’t have the ball. If Liverpool crumble, the match could open up; if Liverpool dominate with composure, it could be a hard-fought victory without any excesses.

Liverpool

I see Liverpool coming into this with a sense of urgency, yet with some recent cracks at the back. Their recent run has seen games with tight scorelines and plenty of struggle: they’re coming off a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and a 3-2 loss to United, though in between they did beat Crystal Palace 3-1 and won the away derby against Everton (1-2). The most striking thing is that, in terms of dynamics, their recent matches have very often been ‘both teams to score’ affairs: they create chances, but they also concede, especially when the opposition runs in behind their full-backs or capitalises on a misplaced pass.

At home, Anfield tends to raise the competitive level. The game scenario I expect is Liverpool pressing from the start, trying to take the lead early so as not to play for time. If the plan works, we’ll see a more dominant Liverpool, with a strong presence down the flanks and crosses into the box, and attacking runs from the second line. If the deadlock isn’t broken, the match becomes more uncomfortable because Brentford are the sort of side who wait for their moment and don’t get flustered.

As for the squad, the build-up features ‘doubtful/carry-over injuries’ and a few potential absences, so I’d be keeping a close eye on how the defensive unit shapes up and whether the starting eleven opts for security (more control) or high-tempo play (more back-and-forth). That nuance makes a huge difference to the type of bet that’s advisable.

Brentford

Brentford arrive with a strong case to make and a hunger to win. The 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace was a fine example of their competitive spirit: coming back, pressing on, and not giving up even when the game goes against them. In recent matches, their results have been mixed (including a 3-0 win over West Ham, a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City and a 0-0 draw with Fulham), but they certainly have a plan: defending in a midfield block, pressing high when they spot a risky pass, and running with purpose when they win the ball back.

I like Brentford as a ‘trap’ for a big side on the final day because they won’t go to Anfield just to sit back for 90 minutes. They have the automatisms to break forward, wingers who attack spaces and a striker who, if he receives the ball in a good position, can cause you problems. Furthermore, if their league position gives them a chance of European football, they won’t be playing it too safe.

Their weak point, however, is their away form against top-tier opponents: if they’re pinned back, they have to hold out for long periods and concede corners, crosses and second-ball situations. That’s where they usually struggle, and if Liverpool take the lead, the match becomes difficult for them because they’re forced to push forward and spread themselves too thin. For me, their best-case scenario is to hold out in the opening stages without conceding and find a clear counter-attack (or a set-piece) to sow doubt.

Referee: Darren England

The appointed referee is Darren England. In this 2025/26 Premier League season, he has been issuing a high average of cards: around 4.5 yellows per match, with over 22 fouls called on average. He isn’t one to always ‘let play continue’; when the match picks up pace, he tends to break it up quite a bit with fouls, and that leads to yellow cards for repeated offences or for halting transitions.

When it comes to card markets, I’m more inclined to look at ‘Brentford to get more cards’ or moderate over lines (without going overboard), because if Liverpool have long spells of dominance, the visitors are often forced to commit tactical fouls to avoid being caught out in the final third.