Overview
Liverpool head to the South Coast in pursuit of 3 points in order to keep their hopes of a top four spot alive.
Following a disappointing trip to West London last weekend, the Reds will be desperate to correct the course that they’ve been taking so far this season. Klopp’s men have a terrible away record this season, having only picked up eight of a possible 24 points away from Anfield.
On the other hand, Roberto De Zerbi’s men have one of the worst records at home this season, picking up only 11 of a possible twenty-four points. However, the ‘Gulls are in a fine patch of form having won two of 3 games since the restart – losing only to league leaders Arsenal.
Both teams will be confident heading into the game, and following three draws in their last 5 league meetings – most recently a 3-3 draw at Anfield in October – the game is set to be a battle from the first whistle.
What To Expect
With Liverpool missing multiple players through injury, the Reds were already trying to plug holes in a leaky defence. When you realise that the colossal Virgil van Dijk is set for a spell on the side-line, while Liverpool are already struggling with a midfield that lacks the energy and athleticism to support the frontline with the press, allowing the high line to be effective, you might see a shift in approach from the Merseyside club.
The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Brighton take an early 2-0 lead within 20 minutes. A stunned Liverpool side managed to claw their way back into the game through a brace from Roberto Firmino (also out through injury), before eventually taking the lead via Adam Webster putting it in his own net. Alas, with 7 minutes to go Trossard culminated a frantic game with his hat-trick goal in the 83rd minute to snatch the win from Liverpool and secure a point.
It is likely we will see a close fought game with both teams vying for possession of the ball with the keepers busy at both ends – a great game for the neutral fans!
Key Battle
After a sour patch of form in the first half of the season, Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be back to his best post-World Cup, with a strong defensive showing against Leicester and a return to his creative best. It’s very possible that he may be the difference for Liverpool as they attempt to nullify the impact of an in-form Leandro Trossard.
The Belgian winger scored a hat-trick in the two sides last clash and has bagged 7 in the league this season, making him Brighton’s top scorer. He has however been nursing a calf injury which may keep him off the field of play, but with a 75% chance of playing (according to PremierLeague.com), it’s likely he will find the strength to play.
In conclusion, it is a game that Liverpool fans will be feeling less comfortable about than in years gone by and a game in which the home fans will feel hopeful of going one step further than last time by securing 3 points, keeping their hopes of European football next season a very real possibility.
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