Liverpool Eye Premier League Title Race Leap in Brighton Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool v Brighton – Premier League Preview

After a painful international break, the reds resume their pursuit of silverware with a home game against Roberto De Zerbi’s overachieving Brighton. The next couple of weeks may determine which teams are truly in the 2023/24 title race, therefore, Jürgen Klopp’s men will have to win this game on an Easter Sunday that sees Manchester City entertain Arsenal.

Brighton’s Availability

In terms of availability, Solomon March, Kaoru Mitoma, and Jack Hinshelwood, are all out, whereas Joao Pedro and former Liverpool vice-captain, James Milner, should be cleared to make the visitors match day squad.

Regarding recent form, the Seagulls went down to a 4-1 loss against Roma (on aggregate), to end their Europa League hopes at the stage of last 16. A 1-0 home win against Nottingham Forest was preceded by a disappointing 3-0 away loss against Fulham. That defeat came after crashing out of the FA Cup to Wolves, who won at home by a 1-0 scoreline. Following 28-games played, Albion sit in an impressive 8th position having attained 42-points.

Photo: IMAGO

A predicted line up for the visitors is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Bart Verbruggen, Joël Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Pervis Estupiñán, Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba, Pascal Groß, Jakub Moder, Julio Enciso, Evan Ferguson, Ansu Fati

Liverpool’s Availability

In terms of injures, Thiago Alcântara remains on the missing list, however, Stefan Bajčetić is now back in team training. Joël Matip has sustained a season ending ACL injury, one that may have seen him play his last game for the club. Trent Alexander Arnold, Alisson Becker, and Curtis Jones, are now only a week or so away, whereas Diogo Jota may be a touch later. After the international break, Andy Robertson appears to be the only casualty, after picking up an ankle injury that see home sidelined for the next week.

Photo: IMAGO

Regarding recent league form, Liverpool failed to overcome Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, as the Premier League’s two outstanding sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Anfield. The week prior to that had this weekend’s hosts winning 0-1 away to Nottingham Forest, with a two-legged 11-2 win over Sparta Prague sandwich in-between. The last outing for the reds was a disastrous elimination from the FA Cup quarter finals, as their bitter rivals, Manchester United, won 4-3 after extra time. Following 28-games played, Liverpool have amassed 64-points and sit 2nd in the Premier League, equal on points with 1st placed Arsenal.

Below is the team I believe the Reds’ German manager will start on Sunday, which will be chosen to inflict maximum damage.

Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk (c), Joe Gomez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Mohamed Salah

How Will This Contest Play Out

I believe the reds will win this game comfortably against a side that has become somewhat sporadic, as the congested fixture list catches up with Roberto De Zerbi’s men. The away side will look to counter at pace and willingly relinquish last season’s incredible desire to control the game. After losing Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo in the summer, Brighton is having a tremendous season, however, the limitations are still apparent after the sale of such elite operators. Liverpool must now bounce back and take back their top of the table spot, with a game that should be won. If results go in the favour of the Anfield giants, then this could be a superb opportunity to create a gap between themselves and their two title rivals. A ferocious game of attacking intent is expected which will simply overwhelm the guests by a comfortable scoreline.

Player to watch – Alexis Mac Allister

Score Prediction;

Liverpool 3 – 1 Brighton

Steven Smith