90min
·2 November 2024
90min
·2 November 2024
Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion meet for the second time this week as the duo prepare for battle in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Reds travelled to the south coast in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, with the defending champions edging an entertaining affair 3-2 to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Arne Slot will be eager to see a less chaotic performance from his side this time around as Liverpool aim to keep pace with Manchester City at the Premier League's summit. A draw with Arsenal last weekend saw the Reds surrender top spot but they could leapfrog the Cityzens this weekend if they can topple the Seagulls.
Brighton had been flying under Fabian Hurzeler but have suffered a few setbacks over the past week. Wednesday's defeat to Liverpool was preceded by a late implosion at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Seagulls conceding in the 88th and 93rd minute to surrender victory in a 2-2 draw.
Cody Gakpo bagged a brace against Brighton on Wednesday / Alex Davidson/GettyImages
Liverpool are still without Alisson, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota, with none of them likely to return until after the November international break due to injuries.
The good news for Slot is that he welcomed Conor Bradley back from injury midweek, offering Trent Alexander-Arnold a much-needed rest before he returns to the starting lineup on Saturday.
Cody Gakpo has done his chances of starting at the weekend no harm after scoring twice in the Carabao Cup, although left-wing rival Luis Diaz also netted against the Seagulls. Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister are among those set for a return to the starting XI.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez.
Ferdi Kadioglu pulled up against Liverpool and was withdrawn / Alex Davidson/GettyImages
Ferdi Kadioglu was substituted at half-time against Liverpool after pulling up injured in the first half, but Hurzeler believes the Turkey international's issue isn't serious and he could be available at the weekend.
Matt O'Riley and Joao Pedro are back in training and Lewis Dunk is also edging closer to a return. However, all three may still miss out against Liverpool.
Adam Webster, James Milner and Solly March are still sidelined as well, but the latter is nearing a return after a long injury layoff.
Brighton predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Gruda, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Wednesday's battle between the sides is unlikely to have a significant impact on Saturday's duel given both managers fielded second-string sides midweek. However, as was the case at the AMEX Stadium, Liverpool will boast the superior quality as Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold all return.
Brighton have shown their class against the traditional 'big six' this season with victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, but their 4-2 defeat at Chelsea exposed their high line and risky passing game. Liverpool could take advantage at the weekend.
The Reds are unlikely to blow Brighton away but a mixture of home advantage and a confident squad should secure yet another victory for Slot's side.
View publisher imprintfeed