As Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool prepare to meet twice this week, they’ll first face off in the fourth round of the EFL Cup at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night, before crossing paths again in the Premier League.
Also Read: EFL CUP Live! Confirmed Line-Ups for Brighton vs Liverpool (30th October, 2024)
The Reds opened their Cup campaign with a commanding 5-1 win over West Ham, while Brighton edged out Wolves 3-2 in a thrilling third-round clash.
Match Preview
Liverpool’s EFL Cup defense began with a statement 5-1 win over West Ham United in round three, setting them on track to repeat their success from last season.
Since taking over, manager Arne Slot has made a mark, guiding Liverpool to an unbeaten EFL Cup run since December 2022.
However, their perfect away record under Slot ended recently with a 2-2 league draw at Arsenal, where they fought back twice to salvage a point.
Despite losing top position in the Premier League to Manchester City by a single point, Liverpool now shifts focus to the EFL Cup.
Meanwhile, Brighton endured a dramatic 2-2 league draw with Wolves over the weekend, conceding a last-minute goal.
Striker Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson scored for the Seagulls, only for Wolves to strike back, with Matheus Cunha scoring the equalizer in injury time.
The Seagulls narrowly defeated Wolves 3-2 in their previous EFL Cup round and have reached this stage of the tournament four times in the last five years.
However, Brighton has struggled to break past the fourth round, last reaching the quarter-finals in 1978-79.
Nonetheless, their record against Liverpool at the Amex has been strong, going unbeaten in their last three home games against the Reds.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Liverpool remains without Harvey Elliott (foot), Alisson Becker (hamstring), and Diogo Jota (abdominal), while Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley are doubtful for the game.
Slot may turn to Joe Gomez at right-back, resting Trent Alexander-Arnold. Players like Wataru Endo and Jarell Quansah could get rare starts, and Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, both rested for the Arsenal game, may feature upfront alongside Mohamed Salah.
Brighton welcomed Danny Welbeck back last weekend, an unexpected boost following his back injury, though the Seagulls are still without Joao Pedro (ankle), Solly March (knee), Matt O’Riley (ankle), Adam Webster (thigh), and former Liverpool player James Milner (thigh).
Georginio Rutter is cup-tied, but Yankuba Minteh and Jack Hinshelwood have solid chances of being available, while captain Lewis Dunk’s status is uncertain after a calf issue.
Probable Lineups:
- Brighton & Hove Albion: Steele; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Adingra, Baleba, Wieffer, Mitoma; Enciso, Ferguson
- Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez
Prediction
While Brighton’s potent home attack could challenge Liverpool, Slot’s team has shown resilience on the road, making them slight favorites to advance.
Liverpool’s depth may keep them in contention for a second consecutive EFL Cup title, although a decisive win may prove challenging.
