Looking to return to the top four, Liverpool travel to Brighton this weekend, their mid table opponents looking for what would be a memorable victory after failing to win in each of their last three outings. Furthermore, the home side have drawn each of their last four home games, a streak they would enjoy ending against Jurgen Klopp’s in-form side who have been undefeated in nine of their last 10 Premier League outings.
Brighton will once again lineup in some variation of Chris Hughton’s favoured 4-4-2 system, relying on the quality of their wide players to provide the spark they will need to pull off a shock. The performances of Davy Propper and Pascal Gross have certainly helped, with the form of the latter making him undoubtedly the key man for the Seagulls. The German midfielder has three goals and five assists, providing real quality at set pieces and will need to be at his best when this game gets underway on Saturday.
For Liverpool, Klopp will undoubtedly continue with his uptempo 4-3-3 formation, attacking at pace and looking to win the ball back at the earliest possible opportunity. That has contributed to seeing over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last eight away games, while the Anfield outfit have – aside from last week’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea – been in excellent form.
Mohamed Salah clearly their most outstanding performer with his direct approach adding another dimension to the team’s front line, while currently leading the Premier League scoring charts with 12 goals. Eight of those came in November alone, and his ability will be a major factor in helping Liverpool become only the second visiting team to win at the Falmer Stadium.
The Reds have created so many chances this term, their counter attacking and excellent variety at corners and free kicks have been central to that approach, with defending at set pieces having also been a weakness in this Brighton side. Weak in the air and prone to fouling, Houghton will need his players to show a vast improvement in that area if they are to have any hope here, but they have already proven capable of springing surprises on high profile opponents.
Steve Sidwell will once again be missing due to a back injury, but the veteran midfielder looks to be the only casualty for Brighton ahead of this encounter. For Liverpool, the benefit of resting so many players for their midweek clash with Stoke is likely to pay huge dividends here and Adam Lallana could well be in contention for his first start following his own fitness problems.
Full back Nathaniel Clyne and goalkeepers Adam Bogdan and Danny Ward are not expected to recover in time to play a part here, but there is hope that Ragnar Klavan will be available.
Probable Lineups
Brighton (4-4-1-1): Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Suttner; Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo; Gross; Murray
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Gomez, Matip, Klavan, Moreno; Coutinho, Henderson, Lallana; Salah, Firmino, Mane
