The perfect start! Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team have begun the season with two wins for the first time in the German’s tenure at Anfield, and now return home for a meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, as the Reds attempt to make it three out of three.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Brighton find themselves in eleventh place after one win and one loss from their opening two matches. They travel to Anfield with their tails up after a superb victory over Manchester United last weekend, and will look to replicate that kind of performance and result on Saturday. Brighton are a team that play attractive football and have done well against the big teams, recording wins over United and Arsenal last season, and gaining a draw against Tottenham. After surviving their first Premier League season in 15th place, Chris Hughton has added a number of players to his ranks over the summer. Iranian winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh is their most exciting signing, though the former AZ Alkmaar winger is yet to feature in white and blue. Other summer acquisitions include former RB Leipzig full back Bernardo, Florian Andone, Martin Montoya and Yves Bissouma, among others in a highly successful transfer window.
The unpredictable nature of the football fixtures computer means that there have only been two rounds of Premier League games since these two teams last played, as Brighton were Liverpool’s opponents at Anfield on the last day of the season, in May. That day saw the Reds confirm their place in the Champions League for this season, by producing a wonderful attacking performance to defeat Brighton 4-0. This was a game which saw Dominic Solanke and Andy Robertson score their first goals in a Liverpool shirt, and there are a few players who would love to repeat that feat this weekend – Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho, Joe Gomez and Naby Keita are all waiting to open their account for the Reds. The reverse fixture last season saw another four-goal victory for Liverpool, with a 5-1 win at the AMEX Stadium in December. Roberto Firmino scored twice in this game, but the scorers of the other goals in that game – Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can – have both since left. Before this, it was the 2011/12 season that these two sides last met, in both the League Cup and the FA Cup, which yielded wins by scores of 2-1 and 6-1. Brighton vice-captain Lewis Dunk has had unpleasant experiences against Liverpool, scoring own goals in February 2012 and December 2017. Liverpool haven’t lost to Brighton since 1984, though that period of time has only featured seven matches, last season’s pair of matches were the only league meetings between the two since 1983. Manager Chris Hughton has had a horrendous time against Liverpool, losing three times with Norwich and twice with Brighton, conceding 24 goals in those five matches, and only scoring 4.
Klopp named an unchanged eleven from the West Ham game to take on Crystal Palace, although there could be changes here. Klopp made subtle changes for almost every game in the first half of last season, and this match may see the start of this season’s rotation. Alisson will continue his sharp rise in goal, though there is likely to be a change on the bench as Loris Karius nears a loan move to Besiktas. This will ensure that Simon Mignolet takes his place on the bench.
Right back is a position where Klopp may choose to rotate. Alexander-Arnold has had two mediocre performances so far, and without being poor by any means, he has shown a few signs of weakness. Against a team which employ a lot of wide play, Nathaniel Clyne could be a better option. The centre back partnership of Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk has been superb so far and I hope this isn’t changed. I have been an advocate of Gomez at centre back for three years, and now it is bearing fruit. How refreshing to hear the Monday Night Football pundits discuss the quality of our defensive performance against Crystal Palace, with Gary Neville labelling Van Dijk as one of the best in the league – I personally think the only man ahead of him in the land of centre backs is Raphael Varane. Joel Matip may have to wait for his first appearance of the season.
We have heard pundits be so scathing of our defence in recent years, so it is great to hear the credit be forthcoming now that it is due. Andy Robertson is likely to keep his place at left back, though there may be some thought to give Moreno some game time. The midfield is the hardest place to guess. Naby Keita has been terrific so far and will start in the box-to-box role, but the other two positions are hard to predict. I think Fabinho may play this game, as Klopp looks to bed the Brazilian in gradually. This may be a game where the creativity of someone like Xherdan Shaqiri is required, though I personally think James Milner will retain his place in midfield from the first two matches. At some point Jordan Henderson will have to come in too, and it would be harsh to drop Gini Wijnaldum, so midfield is where the tough decisions will be made. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have been in fine form so far this campaign, and their electric pace will be crucial in this game.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
I have predicted a change in the number nine though, where I can see Daniel Sturridge starting ahead of Roberto Firmino. Firmino has been less effective than usual in the first two games, and Sturridge may have the chance to play in a match here where Liverpool are likely to have a large portion of possession.
It is hard to see Brighton making many changes to the side that earned a valiant three points at home to Man United on Sunday. Many fans of the Seagulls were disappointed with the team selection, but were made to eat their words when the side produced such a memorable performance. Australian Matthew Ryan has been a great buy and will continue in goal, while at right back, Martin Montoya is one of few recruits who has been involved so far – and has looked impressive. Brighton’s instantly recognisable centre back duo of Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy was interrupted last week when Dunk went off injured, though Chris Hughton has suggested that he will be back for Saturday, though Leon Balogun could deputise. At left back, there could be a change to counter Liverpool’s attacking threat. I predict Bernardo to return to the side. The summer signing played against Watford on opening day, but was dropped for Gaetan Bong against United. Bernardo’s pace will be a useful asset against Salah, and may be picked for this reason. Dale Stephens and Davy Propper will start in midfield, but there may be changes afoot on the flanks. Anthony Knockaert was a massive player for Brighton in the Championship but is yet to make his mark on the Premier League, but his attacking work rate and trickery will be important to the weekend’s match. Solly March has started both matches on the other wing, but I expect Jakanbakhsh to make his first start this weekend, as he has the quality to change the game. Pascal Gross will inevitably start, playing just off a striker, which could be Glenn Murray, Jurgen Locadia or Florian Andone.
Liverpool are favourites to win this game and rightly so, but Brighton’s result against United last week shouldn’t be underestimated – they will be confident and really up for this game. It is going to be a lively game with lots of entertaining football. Liverpool may choose to exploit central areas more often than usual in this game, with Brighton’s full backs both being quick. However, Liverpool can use their own full backs to create 2v1 situations on the edge of the box. One of the best things about the first two games has been the fact that we have won two very different games, and not conceded yet. Klopp will be keen to ensure that continues here.
Predicted XIs
Liverpool: (4-3-3) Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita, Milner, Salah, Sturridge, Mane.
Subs: Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Firmino.
Brighton: (4-2-3-1) Ryan; Montoya, Dunk, Duffy, Bernardo; Stephens, Propper; Knockaert, Gross, Jakanbakhsh; Murray.
Subs: Button, Balogun, Bong, Bisssouma, Kayal, March, Locadia.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Brighton
Daniel Daykin
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