In their recent midweek clash, the Seagulls displayed resilience by coming from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw against Marseille. Meanwhile, Liverpool put a turbulent period behind them with a 2-0 victory over Union SG. Brighton fans may have been reminded of a painful defeat to Aston Villa when their team conceded two early goals against Marseille, but they managed to salvage a point thanks to Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro's clinical penalty.
Despite their valiant effort in France, Brighton is currently enduring a three-game winless streak, including an EFL Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea and a 6-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. While they hold a respectable sixth place in the Premier League, only three points behind leaders Manchester City, their defensive record is concerning. They have already conceded 20 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other team in the Premier League.
It's worth noting that Brighton has yet to keep a clean sheet this season, but they have a chance to secure three consecutive Premier League home wins for the first time since 2019, with 11 goals scored in their home matches, second only to Aston Villa's 13.
Liverpool also entered the second round of Europa League fixtures on the back of a disappointing Premier League result, suffering their first defeat of the season against Tottenham Hotspur. The match was marred by two red cards, a wrongly disallowed goal for Luis Diaz, and Joel Matip's late own goal. However, they bounced back on Thursday against Union SG, with Ryan Gravenberch scoring his first Liverpool goal and Diogo Jota sealing the game with a late strike.
Liverpool secured their first clean sheet in five games, which was a welcome statistic for manager Jurgen Klopp. Before their defeat to Tottenham, they had enjoyed an eight-game unbeaten run away from home in the Premier League.
Liverpool had unpleasant trips to Brighton last season, suffering a pair of defeats in the Premier League and FA Cup, and also witnessing a Leandro Trossard hat-trick at Anfield in a thrilling 3-3 draw in October.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
After his own goal contributed to a dismal performance at Villa Park, Pervis Estupinan's tough run of luck continued this week as the Ecuadorian left-back suffered a thigh injury that is expected to keep him out of action for the next month.Estupinan joins Jakub Moder and Julio Enciso, both recovering from knee injuries, in the treatment room. Additionally, former Liverpool players James Milner and Adam Lallana are likely to miss the upcoming match against their former club due to minor injuries. However, they are expected to return after the international break.
While Estupinan is under medical care, Tariq Lamptey is likely to continue filling in at left-back, despite concerns about his workload. Teenage sensation Evan Ferguson is expected to be brought back into the starting lineup in the attacking position, replacing veteran Danny Welbeck.
As for Liverpool, Curtis Jones is set to begin a three-game suspension following an unsuccessful appeal by Liverpool for his strong tackle on Yves Bissouma. Diogo Jota will also be absent for one game due to his sending-off for receiving two yellow cards.
In addition to these disciplinary concerns, Liverpool is dealing with injuries. Cody Gakpo suffered a knee injury shortly after scoring against Tottenham. Stefan Bajcetic is sidelined with a calf injury, Caoimhin Kelleher has a knee problem, and Thiago Alcantara is nursing a hip injury, all of which make them unavailable for the upcoming match.
Jones's suspension has created an opportunity for Gravenberch to make his first Premier League start for Liverpool, following his goal-scoring performance on Thursday. However, Wataru Endo could be considered for a more defensive role against an opponent who has already scored 23 goals across all competitions this season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Lamptey; Gilmour, Gross; March, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
EXPERT PREDICTION
Brighton 2-4 Liverpool
Throughout this season, both teams have been consistent in delivering goals when they've played. However, despite Brighton handing Liverpool two defeats earlier in 2023, the home team's significant defensive weaknesses are likely to lead to a reversal of fortunes, with Liverpool expected to take revenge.
