It’s deja vu for Liverpool this weekend, but will lightning strike twice against Brighton? The Reds beat Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and now host them on Saturday in the league.
Playing the same team twice in the space of three days is certainly uncommon, but this will be an entirely different kind of game after both teams rotated heavily during an entertaining clash – won 3-2 by the Reds at American Express Stadium. Arne Slot made eight changes to his side for that game but will go full strength as he welcomes the Seagulls to Anfield, looking to keep his team in the Premier League title race.
The Dutchman Slot will be hoping for the same outcome, but a far more straightforward one after Brighton made them work for their last-16 Carabao Cup victory, with Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey both scoring for the hosts to ensure a nervy finish after a brace from Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz’s late strike.
Games like this are crucial for Liverpool and a must-win if Slot’s team are to keep up their momentum and their grip on the crown they last won in 2020. The next month will see them play Leverkusen, Aston Villa and Real Madrid, as well as a Dec. 1 match against Manchester City. Breaking the cycle of City’s dominance is no easy feat so Liverpool can ill afford any more slip-ups, like the shocking 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest more than a month ago.
Since then, Liverpool have played 10 matches and won nine, only drawing once against title-rivals Arsenal last time out. That’s the level of consistency the Reds have produced under their new manager, who continues to impress with not only the style of play he’s implemented but the overall organisation and fluidity of the team. That 2-2 draw at Arsenal was important while also showing their fighting spirit as Mohamed Salah struck late to secure a big result.
This weekend, they’re hosting a Brighton team who are no pushovers. Fabian Hurzeler has really impressed since he replaced the highly-rated Roberto De Zerbi at the helm. Few knew who he was when he arrived, but now heads are starting to turn. Brighton are sixth in the table. They’ve lost once in the league so far this season and have already beaten Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle and got a point at Arsenal. Danny Welbeck is in the form of his life after four goals in his last five league games.
There’s lots going for the Seagulls, but this will be their sternest test yet. They’ll be keen to bounce back after blowing a 2-0 lead against basement side Wolves to draw 2-2 in the last minute. That result will sting, but Hurzeler’s men are only two points off third-place Arsenal. They could make a real push for European football this season if they can keep up their early form.
Liverpool have only lost once to Brighton at Anfield in the Premier League era, but it came as recently as 2021 when Steven Alzate’s second-half winner secured a famous 1-0 away win. Since then, the Reds have drawn twice against the Seagulls and won once — a 2-1 victory in March — so Brighton should hold hope of getting a result.
Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal for Liverpool, with Alisson still out. Diogo Jota and new signing Federico Chiesa will also remain sidelined until after the international break. Harvey Elliott is a long-term absentee. For Brighton, Adam Webster, James Milner and Solly March are still waiting for their comebacks. Lewis Dunk, Yankuba Minteh and Matt O’Reily are doubts. Joao Pedro is battling to be fit and could be involved.
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Liverpool vs Brighton odds
Venue: Anfield— Liverpool
Time: 3 p.m. GMT (11 a.m. ET), Saturday
Form guide (league only)
Liverpool: 7-1-1, 22 points (2nd); D-W-W-W-W
Brighton: 4-4-1, 16 points (6th); D-W-W-L-D
Match prediction
Liverpool 2-1 Brighton
No team looks like stopping Slot’s Liverpool at the moment, so you’d have to be a brave man to go against them. This won’t be an easy game for the home side and Brighton can give any side a difficult day. They showed they won’t back down after two late goals against the Reds in the cup, but Liverpool have also proven their ability to get results no matter the circumstances.
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(Photo of Virgil van Dijk and Caoimhin Kelleher: Alex Pantling / Getty Images)
