Brighton have almost secured another season of Premier League football, with their impressive manager, Graham Potter, navigating the season admirably. After four losses on the bounce, Brighton still have some work to do to reach the magic 40 point mark, and will want to stop the losing rot.
On the injury front, Adam Webster remains sidelined, but Enock Mwepu and Jeremey Sarmiento should be back. There should be some changes made for this game, with Adam Lallana, Neal Maupay and Yves Bissouma all hoping for starts. The diamond formation that was fielded against Newcastle may well be altered, with their weekend visitors offering a variety of attacking threats.
Liverpool have been ruthlessly efficient in the league, in their clear desire to catch the league leaders, Manchester City. The reds form over the past few games has not been of the highest level, yet varying combinations of players has been used to navigate their congested period.
Ibrahima Konate appears doubtful for this game, and Bobby Firmino may still need a few more days before he’s ready. With Arsenal awaiting the reds in midweek, this could see Fabinho rested and Jordan Henderson started in the holding role. Joe Gomez could well make a rare league start, with Joel Matip’s minutes often managed. Kostas Tsmimikas will be hoping for the left back slot, and the midfield 8’s will probably be Naby Keita and perhaps Harvey Elliott or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Up front there is real competition, if not scintillating displays of late. Luis Diaz will almost certainly start this game, with Mohamed Salah likely from the opposite flank. The middle role will be a coin toss between Sadie Mane and Diogo Jota, with neither currently nailing down an assured starting spot.
Liverpool stuttered in midweek, with a loss to Inter Milan. A slight recalibration should see the Anfield side desperate to make amends, and secure all three points. Brighton are team that have impressed across the season, but are now struggling in mid-table obscurity. A strong display will be needed by the home side, especially with a flood of goals being conceded recently.
Liverpool need to make yet another statement of intent, and display their strength from the off. Brighton are smart in possession, and a willing pressing side. Whether or not they sit in will be determined after kick off, but Liverpool will need to raise the tempo in any event.
With so much riding on Liverpool winning, and Brighton perhaps limping to safety, this should see a comfortable away win unfold.
Player to watch – Luis Diaz
Score Prediction;
Brighton 0 – 2 Liverpool
Steven Smith
