Brighton v Liverpool – Match Preview

The Football Faithful

·26 November 2020

Brighton v Liverpool – Match Preview

Brighton host Liverpool in Saturday’s early kick-off, with both sides having won in their previous Premier League matches.

Here’s all you need to know in preparation for Saturday’s clash at the Amex:

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Form

Brighton: DDLDW

Brighton finally picked up their second league win of the season away to Aston Villa at the weekend, with their previous league victory having come back on September 20th against Newcastle United.

The Seagulls have been commended for their pleasing style of play this season, yet much like last-term, that attractive football has not often translated itself into wins.

Their most recent fixture against Villa, however, saw the very best of Brighton’s play, with new man Danny Welbeck netting his first for the club with a delightful dinked finish, while a Solly March screamer gave Graham Potter’s side all three points after Ezri Konsa had initially drawn the hosts level.

The game’s major story came in the dying moments of the match, with Villa awarded a late penalty by referee Michael Oliver after Trezeguet had been brought down in the box. To Brighton’s relief, the decision was swiftly reversed, as they held on for a much-needed win, despite having seen Tariq Lamptey sent off late on.

The former Chelsea youngster was again in fine form at Villa Park, yet his late dismissal will mean he misses the incredibly tough visit of Jurgen Klopp’s side, although Adam Lallana will being hoping be fit to face his former club after being withdrawn at half- time with a slight groin complaint at the weekend.

Liverpool: DWWDW

While the focus has all been about injuries for the champions, they’ve continued to demonstrate why they are once again the team to beat in the title race this season.

Despite looking depleted when they lined up at Anfield on Sunday, Klopp’s men didn’t look perturbed, putting in a superb display as they eased past potential title challengers Leicester City.

An own goal from Jonny Evans, as well as strikes from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino earned Liverpool a comfortable win in the end, taking them level on points with Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the table.

To win in such style against strong opposition whilst missing a number of key men demonstrates the versatility and flexibility of Klopp’s squad, in particular James Milner – who slotted in at right-back – and stand-in centre-back, Fabinho.

The Brazilian international oozed class at the heart of defence, demonstrating his ability to ease the loss of Virgil Van Dijk and leading Jamie Carragher to even suggest that he’s improved the Reds backline.

The former Monaco man will likely line up in defence again with Joe Gomez still out, although Mohamed Salah will be able to return after testing negative for Covid-19. Midfielders Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara all remain doubts.

The Reds fielded a much-rotated side in midweek as they slipped to a disappointing 2-0 loss to Italian side Atalanta.

Last Meeting

Brighton 1-3 Liverpool, 8 July 2020

Liverpool went into the match miles ahead at the top of the table and had already secured the Premier League title a few weeks earlier, while Brighton found themselves still caught up in the battle to stave off the drop.

Like many of their performances this season, the game saw the Seagulls put in a plucky display without getting a result, as Liverpool’s quality in attack was simply too much to handle.

Mo Salah put Liverpool ahead after just six minutes, with captain Jordan Henderson extending that lead just two minutes later to all but guarantee the three points. To their credit, Potter’s men kept fighting and were rewarded with a goal on the stroke of half-time to reduce the deficit, before a late Mo Salah header restored the two-goal advantage.