Softfootball previews a highly anticipated Premier League clash this Saturday as Liverpool welcomes Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield.
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This matchup comes just three days after their dramatic 3-2 showdown in the EFL Cup, which saw Liverpool edge out a victory in the last-16 stage. The Reds’ recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal left them trailing Manchester City in the league, adding to the stakes of this fixture.
Match Preview
Liverpool, chasing an 11th EFL Cup title, avoided an early exit thanks to a resilient performance on Wednesday. Dutch forward Cody Gakpo continued his stellar tournament run, netting twice to add to his tally.
Luis Diaz’s goal secured the win, making Brighton’s efforts from Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey mere consolations. The focus now shifts back to the Premier League, where Liverpool seeks to overtake Manchester City if results go their way.
Despite a rare 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in September, Liverpool has rebounded impressively at Anfield, winning four consecutive matches and scoring multiple goals each time. Their victims include top-tier teams like Chelsea and challengers such as West Ham.
Arne Slot’s side boasts a formidable record, but their lone defeat so far adds pressure to this fixture as they face a packed November schedule that includes Champions League giants Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
Brighton’s Perspective
Brighton, known for thrilling contests, capitalized on defensive lapses by Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah during their EFL Cup meeting but fell short as their defensive vulnerabilities surfaced in the second half.
These defensive struggles also emerged in a dramatic 2-2 league draw with Wolves, where the Seagulls squandered a comfortable lead due to late goals, including a last-minute deflected effort by Matheus Cunha.
Despite such setbacks, Brighton’s position in sixth place under the Premier League’s youngest permanent manager remains impressive. The Seagulls have delivered seven matches filled with goals, averaging over four per game. However, maintaining this pattern while solidifying their defense will be key to disrupting Liverpool at Anfield.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: The Reds have seen some relief with Conor Bradley’s return, but they remain without Harvey Elliott (foot), Diogo Jota (abdominal), Federico Chiesa (fitness), and Alisson Becker (hamstring).
Manager Arne Slot, confirming that Jota won’t return before the international break, is expected to revert to his strongest lineup. Key figures Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Darwin Nunez, and Alexis Mac Allister should be back in action, with Kostas Tsimikas potentially replacing Andy Robertson at left-back.
Brighton: The visitors might be without Lewis Dunk, who injured his calf before the Wolves match, with his status still uncertain. Other concerns include Yankuba Minteh (groin) and Joao Pedro (ankle).
The Seagulls are definitively missing Solly March (knee), James Milner (thigh), Matt O’Riley (ankle), and Adam Webster (thigh). However, Georginio Rutter returns and may pair with Danny Welbeck in attack, while Jack Hinshelwood, after a midweek return, could bolster midfield options.
Projected Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez. Projected Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Adingra, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Mitoma; Rutter, Welbeck.
Outlook
Brighton’s penchant for high-scoring games poses an attacking challenge, yet Liverpool’s strong defensive record this season could stymie their efforts. Slot’s return to a full-strength lineup, coupled with Anfield’s fortress-like form, suggests the Reds are well-positioned to claim victory and continue their Premier League title chase.
