By Tyler Eaton
Liverpool will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend looking to win their fourth game in a row after their 4-3 win over Villareal in mid-week.
The Reds won two straight games in the Champions League either side of a 2-1 win over Brentford away from home. Brighton are no easy foe however, the Seagulls sit third in the Premier League.
Match Context
Brighton have lost just once this season, a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea in the second game on the season. Highlights include 5-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Coventry and a 3-0 win over Arsenal.
Brighton have scored 23 goals to Liverpool’s nine and conceded just five to Liverpool’s eight. A much-changed Seagulls team drew to Jablonec in the Europa Conference League in midweek. They sit third in the Premier League table with 16 points from seven games.
Liverpool played Brighton three times last season, winning twice (2-0 and 3-0) at Anfield and losing 2-1 in their most recent meeting in March. Two goals from Danny Welbeck cancelled out Milos Kerkez’s equalizer.
Liverpool have responded excellently to a demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, beating LASK, Brentford, and Villareal and gaining some real momentum. One player who has shone during this run is Florian Wirtz. The German has scored or assisted in three consecutive games for the first time in his Liverpool career.
The Reds climbed to fifth in the Premier League table with the win over Brentford. They have proved hard to beat with three wins, three draws, and one loss.
Liverpool responded well to going behind against Brentford with goals from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak sealing the three points. It was a much-needed win after the Manchester City defeat.
Liverpool are yet to win at Anfield in the Premier League this season. Draws to Nottingham Forest and Fulham were followed by the defeat to Manchester City. The Reds have beaten Athletico Madrid and Villarreal at Anfield in Europe alongside a 3-1 over Spurs in the Carabao Cup.
Team News
Ryan Gravenberch is available again after serving his one-match suspension against Brentford. The Dutchman is expected to return alongside Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, with Florian Wirtz also pushing for a recall after scoring from the bench against Villarreal.
Victor Munoz is a doubt after suffering a minor knee injury against Brentford, which kept him out of Tuesday's Champions League victory. Bradley Barcola is expected to be available despite training separately from his teammates on Thursday, while Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have returned to fitness.
Iraola faces a selection dilemma out wide following impressive performances from Rio Ngumoha and Gakpo against Villarreal. Dominik Szoboszlai is unlikely to feature after aggravating his injury at Brentford.
Jeremie Frimpong (muscle) joins long-term absentees Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley (both knee) on the sidelines.
Brighton will be without Kaoru Mitoma (thigh), Evan Ferguson (ankle), Stefanos Tzimas (knee) and Femi Azeez (thigh). Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer are nearing returns from their respective injuries, while Pascal Struijk is also a doubt.
Fabian Hürzeler's side made wholesale changes for Thursday's Conference League trip to Jablonec and are expected to restore several regular starters at Anfield.
Key Players
Alexander Isak will be looking to add to his five Premier League goals this season, a tally bettered only by Erling Haaland. The Swedish striker has registered 17 shots, eight of which have been on target, and his movement behind Brighton's high defensive line could be crucial in breaking down a side that has kept four consecutive league clean sheets.
Florian Wirtz has created 20 chances in the Premier League this season, underlining his growing influence in Liverpool's attack. The German's ability to find space between the lines and unlock defences will be particularly important against Brighton's organised midfield. With Dominik Szoboszlai sidelined, Liverpool will rely heavily on Wirtz to provide creativity in the final third.
Ronald Araujo faces an important challenge at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley unavailable. The Uruguayan's physicality and defensive awareness will be tested by Brighton's attacking movement, particularly the forward runs of Maxim De Cuyper, who has registered two goals and three assists in the league this season.
Brighton have been one of the Premier League's most dangerous attacking sides, scoring 23 goals in their opening seven matches. Pascal Groß has been central to that success, registering three goals and six assists, while creating six big chances for his teammates. The German has been involved in eight big chances overall, more than any other Brighton player. Liverpool must also be wary of Charalampos Kostoulas, who has been presented with six big chances this season and provides a dangerous focal point for Fabian Hürzeler's attack.
Predicted XI
Liverpool: Alisson, Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Barcola, Ngumoha, Isak
Brighton: Verbruggen, Boscagli, Dunk, Vuskovic, Kadioglu, Andres, Gross, De Cuyper, Ayari, Gomez, Kostoulas
Result
Liverpool’s defence looks vulnerable despite the winning streak and Brighton will smell blood. The Reds attack is flourishing however, and this will be a high scoring affair.
Liverpool 3-3 Brighton
The Reds high profile attack will cause Brighton issues but their defensive issues mean they’ll have to wait for their first league win at Anfield.
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