Brighton and Hove Albion welcome Liverpool at the weekend for the Premier League match-week 29. The kick-off is set at 6:00 pm IST on Saturday at Brighton’s American Express Stadium. Albion are in the bottom half of the table at 13th place, whereas Liverpool sits 2nd. Brighton can significantly climb up the table with a win here, going 10th and level on points with 9th placed Aston Villa. Liverpool too can cut the gap on leaders Manchester City to a mere three points with a win.
Brighton are on a barren run of results, losing their last four league games. Their last victory came against Watford, exactly a month ago. Moreover, the Seagulls have scored just a goal in their last four premier league outings. Nevertheless, Brighton have not failed to impress under Graham Potter and will be expecting a positive result at home. Plenty of inspiration is there to take from their last meeting against Liverpool at Anfield, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Brighton Premier League Form: W L L L L
Liverpool have been handed a lifeline in their title charge. The Reds have a chance to go within three points of Manchester City, with the two sides locking horns in the league next month. Klopp’s men are on rampant form, winning 7 out of their last 7 league games. However, Liverpool are on the back of a Champions League loss at home to Inter Milan. Though the Reds progressed to the quarterfinals on aggregate, they will have to shrug off their wastefulness from the Inter game.
Brighton Premier League Form: W W W W W
Brighton vs Liverpool: Team News
The Seagulls’ team news
Brighton have confirmed that center-back Adam Webster will miss the Liverpool clash. Webster is nursing a groin injury and his return depends on his recovery. Some good news, Enock Mwepu has returned from his hamstring injury. The central midfielder was last seen in action in Brighton’s FA Cup win over West Brom. Mwepu has been a crucial presence for Brighton in the midfield, providing 4 assists and scoring once in his 11 league games. However, Potter has confirmed Mwepu will start from the bench.
Neal Maupay could lead the attack after coming off from the bench is the last game. Danny Welbeck could be dropped following his dismal display in the last game. Yves Bissouma who missed out on action against Newcastle could also start in place of Jakub Moder.
Brighton possible starting lineup
Robert Sanchez; Veltman, Duffy, Dunk, Cucurella; Alzate, Bissouma; Lamptey, Pascal Gross, Trossard; Maupay
The Reds’ team news
Jurgen Klopp has almost a fully fit squad at his disposal. Thiago returned to the starting lineup against Inter after recovering from his thigh problems. Should again start on Saturday. Luis Diaz and Jordan Henderson got some rest against Inter coming off from the bench and should also be introduced in the starting eleven.
Roberto Firmino has also returned to full training following his muscular problems but should start from the bench. Jota may drop to the bench, making way for Diaz. Van Dijk and February’s premier league player of the month Joel Matip are at the back as usual.
Liverpool possible starting lineup
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertoson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz
Our Prediction
Brighton 1-3 Liverpool
Liverpool are staring at an eighth consecutive league win. However, Brighton seems to play with some extraordinary confidence against Liverpool, as it evident from the two sides’ last four meetings in the league. The Seagulls have lost only once in their last four games against Liverpool in the league and even won at Anfield last season. Brighton may not provide an easy passage for Liverpool towards a win, but eventually, expect the Reds to grab all three points and go within three of Manchester City.
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