Premier League football is back after the international break, and with that, Liverpool play their first game since September 13th after Joel Matip’s late winner secured Liverpool their first win in the Champions League. Liverpool take on Brighton at Anfield this coming Saturday at 3pm. Things have changed for the visitors as Roberto De Zebri takes charge for the first time since Graham Potter's departure to Chelsea.
Last Season's Meeting
Last season, Brighton proved quite the task for Liverpool. Liverpool found themselves 2-0 up & cruising in the game thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson & Sadio Mané. This was until Naby Keïta, who was having a terrific game in central midfield, was forced off due to an injury. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was subbed on for the Guinean & Liverpool collapsed.
Brighton took the game to the hosts & simply outplayed them. It was almost too easy at times for them to get through Liverpool’s lackluster midfield of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson & Curtis Jones. From being in an extremely comfortable position, Brighton rescued a very deserved point thanks to Enock Mwepu & Leandro Trossard.
Brightons Fine Form
Brighton are sitting 4 points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table, which is something I didn’t think I’d be saying at the start of the season. The seagulls have won 4 of their opening 6 games, drawing once & losing once. Brightons away form is certainly something Liverpool fans should be looking at as they’ve beaten Manchester United & West Ham away from home already this season. The big question is, how much of this form was down to Graham Potter's influence? Will Brighton pose the same threat without him?
What is the injury situation at both clubs?
Liverpool are looking good right now on the injury front. Thiago Alcantara dropped a masterclass against Ajax last time out, and the Spaniard is set to make his return to Premier League action after being substituted due to a hamstring injury in the season opener against Fulham. French center back Ibrahima Konaté is in contention to make his first appearance for the reds this season.
Konaté hasn’t featured whatsoever so far this season after picking up a knee injury against Strasbourg in pre-season. He has been training this week ahead of a return to the Liverpool squad. Andrew Robertson is still more or less ruled out, although he doesn’t seem too far away. Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keïta & Curtis Jones are all ruled out.
The only injury of note for Brighton at the moment is former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana. He has been ruled out of the game due to a calf injury.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool – Alisson, Tsimikas, Virgil, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Thiago, Elliott, Diaz, Jota, Salah
Brighton – Sanchez, Veltman, Dunk, Webster, March, Grob, Mac Allister, Caicedo, Trossard, Mwepu, Welbeck
Prediction?
Liverpool need to start quickly & get a much needed Premier League win. It won't be an easy game by any means, but after a three week break from club football, perhaps Liverpool have hit the reset button & come out looking like a different team. I’m going for a 2-1 Liverpool win.
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