Liverpool v Brighton – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Liverpool host Brighton in the English Premier League on Sunday. The Reds can go top of the table before Man City and Arsenal play each other later in the day. The Seagulls have won just once in eight away EPL matches with 15 goals conceded.

Liverpool Form

The Reds saw a nine-match unbeaten run ended before the FIFA break. They lost 4-3 after extra time to Man Utd in the FA Cup with 3.93 xG and 28 shots allowed. Before that, it was one loss in 21 fixtures. They’re currently on a streak of just two defeats in 28 league matches.

They beat Chelsea 1-0 in extra time to lift the Carabao Cup and then won 3-0 vs Southampton in the FA Cup. After a late 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, they thrashed Sparta Prague 5-1 away in the Europa League. A top performance only yielded a 1-1 home draw vs Man City before thrashing Sparta Prague 6-1 at home before their FA Cup exit.

Liverpool Team News

This match comes too soon for goalkeeper Alisson, wide forward Diogo Jota, and right back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Curtis Jones is nearing a return and Ryan Gravenberch was back on the bench before the FIFA break so is fully available.

Ibrahima Konate shook off an injury to play 90 minutes for France and Chile and will be available for this one. Alexis Mac Allister should be fresh enough to start despite playing against Costa Rica on Wednesday.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool will go all out to win this match. They play before their title rivals on Sunday and will look to lay down a marker.

Expect an attacking, intense approach against Brighton’s possession game. Klopp’s team will look to start fast at Anfield.

Brighton Form

Brighton are an inconsistent side. They haven’t won successive league matches since September. Their last nine fixtures in the EPL have seen three wins, three losses, and three draws. After a 4-0 humbling at Luton, they beat Crystal Palace 4-1. After losing 2-1 at Tottenham, they thrashed ten-man Sheffield United 5-0 away.

A 1-1 home draw vs Everton preceded three losses: 1-0 at Wolves in the FA Cup, 3-0 at Fulham in the league, and 4-0 away to AS Roma in the Europa League. They’ve responded well to those defeats. A 1-0 home win over Nottingham Forest was followed by a 1-0 home win over AS Roma to restore some pride.

Brighton Team News

Roberto De Zerbi is without wingers Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma for the next few months. Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner, and Joao Pedro are all doubtful.

Ansu Fati and Facundo Buonanotte are pushing for recalls in attacking midfield areas. Julio Enciso and Adam Lallana are most at risk of losing their places. Brighton will hope that Lewis Dunk returns unscathed from England duty.

Brighton Motivation

The Seagulls have kept two clean sheets in a row but they’re still going to play an open game.

They will try to beat Liverpool and look to impose their style on the Reds.

Key Stats

Liverpool have scored at least 3 goals in 6 of their last 9 EPL fixtures.

Liverpool have won 15 of their last 19 matches.

Liverpool’s last 57 home league matches have seen just 1 loss (43 wins, 13 draws)

Brighton’s last 8 away EPL matches have seen just 1 win (15 goals conceded)

Brighton are unbeaten in 3 trips to Anfield (WDD)

Brighton’s last 5 league matches vs Liverpool have produced 19 goals.

Verdict

The Reds are playing better than Brighton and will be determined to win comfortably. Jurgen Klopp’s side will have an extra day of rest after the FIFA break and should win this match with a few goals scored.

Best Bet: Liverpool win (-1 goal handicap) at 1.95

Alternate Bet: Liverpool win and both teams to score at 2.40

Goalscorer Tip: Salah to score 2 or more goals at 4.30

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis