Liverpool head into the final day of the season with absolutely no room for complacency as Brentford visit Anfield on Sunday.
While the final weekend of any campaign is traditionally a time for reflection, farewells, and a party atmosphere in around Anfield, the reality for Arne Slot’s side is that there is still a massive piece of business left to conclude on the pitch.
The equation facing the Reds is crystal clear: secure a positive result against the Brentford, and Liverpool will officially punch their ticket back to Europe’s elite, confirming their place in the 2026/27 Champions League.
Slot has navigated a highly scrutinised transition period on Merseyside, but ensuring top-tier European football remains at Anfield is the ultimate baseline requirement for his second season in charge. For all the progress made under the Dutchman, everything hinges on these final 90 minutes.
Missing out on the biggest stage is simply unconscionable for a club of Liverpool’s stature both recreationally and financially and the players know they must deliver.
It’s been a tough season for the club after coming off the highs of winning the Premier League title last season.
They have currently lost 12 games in the league, and will be keen to stop that in its tracks, though Keith Andrews has built a strong team despite them being one of the favourites to go down once Thomas Frank moved to Tottenham.
While they will miss out on Champions League football, they still have a great chance of qualifying for European football if they get the job done on Merseyside. They find themselves in ninth, though a win could take them as high as seventh, ahead of Brighton Hove Albion and Xabi Alonso’s new side, Chelsea.
Fans inside Anfield are growing more restless every week with the way they are set up under the Dutch head coach, as booes echoed around Anfield in their most recent game after a 1-1 draw against the Blues.
The priority for both sides is to win their final matches of the season to not only qualify for Europe, but to carry much needed momentum into the summer before their preparation and plans are put into place for a new year.
Liverpool & Brentford previous results
| Team | Match | Final result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Vs Aston Villa (Villa Park) | 4-2 L |
| Brentford | Vs Crystal Palace (Gtech Community Stadium) | 2-2 D |
The match officials have been confirmed for the meeting this weekend, with the man at the centre of it returning to referee the Reds once again after just a few weeks away.
Who is the referee for Liverpool vs Brentford
On the Premier League website, the official who will signal the beginning of Mohamed Salah’s and Andy Robertson’s final game on Merseyside will be Darren England, his 10th time managing the Reds.
He refereed Liverpool just a few weeks ago when they took on Manchester United at Old Trafford, as Slot’s troops suffered a 3-2 defeat in their push for Champions League qualification. There was a controversial decision during the match, which saw Benjamin Sesko’s goal given despite it hitting his hand as it tumbled over Freddie Woodman’s goal line.
This will be the 10th time he’s taken charge of a match that involves Liverpool, and the 4th time this season. They have won twice, which includes a 2-1 win at Anfield over Everton, and a 2-0 win away against West Ham, with two defeats. The loss to United combined with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton midway through March.
Darren England record vs Brentford
With Darren England only being promoted to the Premier League within the past few years, the team he has been involved with the most is the Bees, as his total will rise to 23 occasions on Sunday, with the most recent stretching back to February in their 1-0 win over Macclesfield in the FA Cup fourth round.
He has only managed one other game for Andrews’ team this season, in their 1-0 home loss to Manchester City, but his record with the team from West London isn’t too bad. They have won 11 times on his watch, while losing just eight.
Interestingly enough, the last three times he’s been the referee for their away trips, they have come out as the victor, with wins over West Ham and Nottingham Forest towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
The two who have been given the role to support England on the final day of the season have been given to Scott Ledger and Akil Howson.
Additionally, the fourth official for the 4 pm meeting is Tom Kirk.
The final appointments for this weekends fixture will be those situated in the VAR booth, with Tony Harrington taking centre stage, and Adrian Holmes will be assisting him.
