Liverpool vs Brighton: Match Preview & predictions
Liverpool vs Brighton: Match Preview & predictions. 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 book their spot in the quarter-finals.
Arne Slot and his side 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 to City, but they could leapfrog the Cityzens this weekend should they record a victory over the Seagulls, and the Cityzens dropping points at Bournemouth.
Brighton had been flying under Fabian Hurzeler this new campaign, 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.
Below’s our guide to the interesting Liverpool vs Brighton Premier League fixture.
What time does Liverpool vs Brighton kick-off?
Location: Liverpool, England
Stadium: Anfield
Date: Saturday 2 November
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
Referee: Tony Harrington
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Liverpool vs Brighton H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Liverpool: 2 wins
Brighton: 2 wins
Draws: 1
Last meeting: Brighton 2-3 Liverpool (30 October 2024) – Carabao Cup
Liverpool team news;
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
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez.
Brighton team news;
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
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Gruda, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Liverpool vs Brighton score prediction;
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.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Brighton
