Thomas with the Team News

There will be ten of the same starters and then I need to find the last one. No injuries, everyone is fit and available.

Thomas on facing Liverpool

We have had a good start to the Premier League. It is the biggest and most difficult league in the world. We have performed well in five games; it is all about trying to hit that performance again on Saturday. We are enjoying it. It is by far the biggest test this season so far. They are one of the best teams and biggest clubs in the world. Over the last three years they have played some of the most entertaining, forward-thinking, pressing, attacking football. It is very impressive what Klopp and his staff have done.

What we say and talk a lot about is the next game. Massive focus on Oldham on Tuesday night and then Liverpool on Saturday. Hopefully then we can win as many games as possible. We are going into this game with a belief that we can win. We know it is going to be unbelievably difficult. The top four sides, Liverpool, the two Manchester teams, and Chelsea, are quite a bit ahead of anyone else. These are not the teams we need to compete against; these are the potential Champions League winners. Can we get a result? I think we can but over 38 games it is impossible for us to finish above them.

Thomas on Liverpool’s threats

What is so impressive is that they are an attacking threat from so many areas. When you are facing some teams it is mostly counter-attack or mostly crosses or something else. Liverpool are fantastic at crossing, they are fantastic through the middle, they are fantastic at counter-attacking high and deep, and they are really good at offensive set-pieces so they hit you from every angle. We will narrow it down and find the most important things that we think we need to match and then hopefully we can find a door that is two inches open we can put a foot in.

Excitement is the right word. A lot of games have been more important than this. This game is important but it is not a Play-Off Final. It is a big game; we are excited about testing ourselves against a top, top team in Europe.

Thomas on being underdogs against The Reds

The pressure is off. It is a different mentality from the Play-Off Final where the pressure was massive to win. However, we need to find the right balance to make sure we aren’t exposed or show too much respect. We have a balanced squad that is confident but humble. We will go into the game with fire in our eyes and a smile on our face to attack, and probably defend a lot as well. We are looking forward to the challenge. Nobody expects us to do anything and it’s not this game where we need to get our points but, if we want to end as high as possible, every point counts. We are going out there to do everything to get the points. It is more likely that they win 3-0 than we win 1-0 but we have a chance to win 1-0. That’s the chance we are going for. I know we are difficult to play against and I hope we make it difficult for Liverpool.

Thomas on the fans’ role this Saturday

I would ask them to be unbelievably proud and enjoy the moment on Saturday night. Some Brentford fans have lived through a lot of misery but now are finally there in the big circus. We are singing our Beatles song and now Liverpool are coming to the Bus Stop in Hounslow. I hope they are proud and enjoy the moment but, if they want us to make a result, they need to perform unbelievably and overmatch the performance against Arsenal. Against Arsenal they were from a different universe and if they do that then, I promise, we will give everything on the grass. Then, hopefully, we will have an exciting evening.

Thomas on Marcus Forss’ four goal haul in midweek

I am so delighted that he got his four goals and put in a good performance with his pressing and link up play. He works so hard every day. He is a young player who, a year ago, really found his way to being a pro. He is one of the first players in doing his prep and gym before training. It is bits like that as a coach that you notice and think he will have a very fine career. The coach still needs to play him and give him his chance but he has got a bright future ahead of him.

Thomas on Sergi Canos facing his former side

For Sergi to play in the Premier League against Liverpool is a big thing but I hope he enjoys the moment. Sergi has grown into a important person for the culture at the club. He understands the club, the style of play, and what we want. He has matured massively as a person over the last four-and-a-half years. He is part of pushing the level and the standards every day. I was so pleased it was him who scored [our first Premier League goal]. He deserved it for all the hard work he’s put in after the big injury. He then experienced the emotions of scoring the first goal in the Premier League against Arsenal. It was like destiny in a way.

Thomas on the Carabao Cup draw

If you want a black and white answer about wanting to win a Premier League game or winning a Cup game, it would always be the Premier League game. However, it’s never black and white and it is all about keeping momentum and keeping performing well. We want to go as far as possible in the Cup and that hasn’t changed. The draw is tricky. Stoke are a good side. They are at the top of the Championship; they know what they want and they have a very experienced manager. Playing away is always tricky. It is better than Liverpool away but it will be tough.

Arrive before 4.30pm and save big on food and drinks at the stadium with pints, sausage rolls, and pies all available for just £3.50