Premier League Week 7: Brentford’s unbeaten run meets depleted Liverpool

Brentford’s 10-match unbeaten run is on the line against Liverpool, who arrive after a 3-0 defeat by Manchester City and with nine players unavailable. The weekend also brings a direct early-table contest between Brighton and Crystal Palace, and a chance for Arsenal to draw level with leaders City.

Brentford are fourth, one point ahead of ninth-placed Liverpool, and have scored in each of their last 10 matches. Liverpool’s defeat by City was their first of the league season; Ryan Gravenberch is suspended, with eight more players unavailable through injury. A win would move Liverpool above Brentford, while the hosts are defending a place in the Champions League league phase.

Brighton and Hove Albion have won their last three league matches without conceding, scoring 10 goals across those games. Third in the table with 13 points, they host Crystal Palace, who are 12th on seven. Pascal Struijk is available after his red card was overturned; Palace will be without suspended defender Axel Disasi.

Arsenal visit Nottingham Forest knowing a win would put them level on points with Manchester City. Forest are two points clear of the relegation places and have gone six home matches without a victory. Arsenal will be without four defenders, including William Saliba.

Saturday, 17 October: Everton and Chelsea meet at 12:30 BST level on 10 points, with Everton unbeaten in eight matches and Chelsea coming off a 5-1 win over Bournemouth. At 15:00, leaders Manchester City host Ipswich Town after winning all six league games; Ipswich sit 10th. Fulham, still without a win and bottom of the table, host eighth-placed Hull City at 15:00. Brentford and Liverpool also kick off at 15:00. Newcastle United host Aston Villa at 17:30: Newcastle return home after a 4-1 defeat, while Villa are three points behind them and two clear of the relegation places.

Sunday, 18 October: Leeds United host Manchester United at 14:00. Leeds are unbeaten in eight at home; United have gone five matches without a win. Bournemouth, still seeking a first league victory, face Sunderland at 14:00, with one point separating the sides. Arsenal’s visit to Nottingham Forest begins at 16:30.

Monday, 19 October: Tottenham Hotspur host Coventry City at 20:00. Spurs are winless after six league games and sit three points behind Coventry, who have won their last two.

The availability counts are highest for Liverpool, with 14 injuries and two bans, followed by Brentford with 13 injuries and Aston Villa with 11. Arsenal have eight listed injuries; Crystal Palace have two bans.

Questions

What does an unbeaten run mean?

A team on an unbeaten run has not lost any of the matches in that sequence. Brentford’s run stands at 10 matches.

What could a Liverpool win mean in the table?

Liverpool are one point behind Brentford before their meeting. A victory would move Liverpool above them.