Liverpool vs Brighton preview
“We have to change from doubters to believers, now.” These were the famous words uttered by Jurgen Klopp when he took over as manager of Liverpool FC in 2016. With the final runs of games in the Premier League approaching, the German will need the final time to prove this quote once again if he wants to end his final season at the club on a high. With Manchester City taking on Arsenal on the same day, Liverpool have an excellent chance to go top of the table when they welcome Brighton to Anfield.
There is also a different reason why the game is essential. With Klopp leaving at the end of the season there are speculations on who would replace him. Xabi Alonso, who has taken Bayer Leverkusen to another level, remains the front-runner. However, the next name associated with it is Roberto de Zerbi, the current manager of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Reds have been in imperious form, losing only one game in their last 21 games (14 wins, six draws). Mohamed Salah has been both the top goal scorer (15) and assist provider (9) for the team and is also the best player on the Expected Offensive Value Added (xOVA). The team is also the best team on the Gegenpressing Intensity Percentage (GPI) and Buildup Disruption Percentage (BDP), which shows that they play a high-pressing attacking brand of football that has been the bedrock of their incredible title challenge.
Brighton have also been brilliant, considering their budgetary strains. Pascal Gross has been again at the centre of the team’s actions, providing ten assists, the most in the league. They are also fourth in the GPI and fifth in the Field Tilt. They are perhaps the closest team in style, system, and shape to Liverpool, which means this will be a highly entertaining 90 minutes of football.
Liverpool vs Brighton predicted lineups
Liverpool lineup
In recent weeks, Liverpool have had to deal with a host of injuries, which has made their recent performances even more incredible. Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Ben Doak, Alisson Becker, Thiago Alcantara, and Stefan Bajcetic are all out for the game. The issue could have been even worse, but Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones, who suffered injuries on the international break, are expected to be ready for the clash.
However, the team has had enough squad depth with several young players stepping up.
Liverpool predicted lineup: Kelleher; Robertson, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Brighton predicted lineups
The Seagulls will also be without the services of Solly March, Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro, James Milner, and Jack Hinshelwood. While Milner may not be able to face his former side, another former Red, Adam Lallana, will start for the team. Evan Ferguson was expected to be one of the key players for the team but has failed to score in the last 14 games, which means Danny Welbeck will keep his position at the centre-forward position.
Brighton predicted lineup: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Gross, Gilmour; Adingra, Lallana, Fati; Welbeck
Liverpool vs Brighton predictions
Liverpool, on paper, have three difficult clashes remaining in the Premier League, all of which are away trips to Manchester United, West Ham United, and Aston Villa, respectively. So, the Reds cannot afford to drop points at home under any circumstances. The last time the two teams met, it was an entertaining 2-2 draw.
De Zerbi, when asked about whether he would leave for a bigger team, made his intentions very clear. “About the future? I want to compete in the best way I can, I want to understand the plan and then it’s not a problem to work at a big team. I would like in my career to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Champions League – but there isn’t a time when have to go,” said the Italian. This is a very encouraging sign for Liverpool, who might offer him the job, failing to get Alonso.
Currently, the top three teams in the Premier League are in a completely different form than the rest. And with Liverpool’s current form, it will be difficult for any team to come away with anything from Anfield.
FootTheBall predicts a 3-1 win for Liverpool.