Liverpool hit the road one last time this Premier League season on Monday night, hoping to avoid going three games without a win — something that hasn’t happened to them all year. They'll face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, where the Seagulls are still clinging to hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Last weekend, Liverpool’s title celebrations were put on pause by a dramatic comeback from Arsenal. The Reds looked to be in control at Anfield after first-half goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz gave them a 2-0 lead. But things unraveled quickly in the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back for Arsenal, and not long after, Trent Alexander-Arnold — who’s reportedly heading to Real Madrid — was brought on to a mixed reaction from the home fans. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold ended up playing Mikel Merino onside for Arsenal’s equaliser, capping off a frustrating 2-2 draw.
That result marked just the third time in Premier League history that Liverpool have failed to win at home after leading by two or more goals at halftime. With the title already wrapped up, it’s clear that some minds may already be on holiday — including head coach Arne Slot, jokingly said to be halfway to Ibiza.
Still, Liverpool’s traveling supporters will be hoping for one final push. The Reds haven’t lost their final away game of a league season since 2017-18.
As for Brighton, they come into the match off a strong win over Wolves at Molineux. Danny Welbeck scored his 10th league goal of the season from the penalty spot before Brajan Gruda sealed the victory late on. That result keeps Brighton in the hunt for a potential Europa Conference League spot.
Even though Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win threw a wrench into the European qualification picture, Brighton could still sneak into Europe — if Chelsea win the Conference League and finish sixth or seventh in the league.
Brighton have picked up seven points from their last three league matches, bouncing back from a poor run in March and early April. But their defense remains a concern — they haven’t kept a clean sheet at home in their last six games.
Liverpool have already beaten Brighton twice this season — once in the EFL Cup and again in the league at Anfield — but the Seagulls have a decent recent record against them at home, not losing to the Reds at the Amex in the league since 2022.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
In his pre-game press conference, Slot didn’t provide much in terms of team news, so it seems that Joe Gomez is still not ready to return from his hamstring injury, and Tyler Morton (shoulder) remains out as well.
Slot didn’t rule out the possibility of Alexander-Arnold starting on the South Coast, especially if Conor Bradley, who’s had injury issues, isn’t risked for a second start in two weeks. However, Jarell Quansah would likely be a more popular choice.
Monday could also mark a special day for Mohamed Salah, as he’s set to break the Premier League record for away goals in a single season with his 17th goal at the Amex. That said, he’s gone without scoring or assisting in five of his last seven matches.
For Brighton, Hurzeler has some positive news ahead of hosting the champions. Joao Pedro is back from suspension, and both Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman have recovered from their injuries.
However, Georginio Rutter (ankle) may only be available for Brighton’s final match of the season, and James Milner (thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), and Solly March (knee) are still working their way back from injuries.
Veltman, now fit again, may struggle to take back his spot from Mats Wieffer, a player Slot knows well from his time at Feyenoord, though Pedro is expected to return to the attack behind Danny Welbeck, who’s already scored 10 goals this season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz
EXPERT PREDICTION
Brighton 2-2 Liverpool
