After failing to cement their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League earlier in the week, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will turn their attention towards the league once again this weekend, when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield.
The Reds have dropped just two points in 13 games so far this season but have not been at their best for more than a couple of weeks now.
The Seagulls have now lost back to back games in the league but have been playing decent football, going toe to toe against even the best sides in the league.
But at Anfield, Liverpool will be favourites to equal their unbeaten league record, a feat they achieved back in 1988. However, they will have to step up their game to ensure there are no slip-ups this weekend.
Here is the predicted Liverpool team Klopp might field for this tie.
Team News
The manager revealed in his press conference that Fabinho has sustained a ligament injury in the game against Napoli, that will now put him out of the side for more than a month.
Xherdan Shaqiri was back in the squad for that game while Naby Keita is back in training and should play a role this weekend.
Joel Matip and Nathaniel Clyne both remain sidelined and are the other two players to miss this game.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL TEAM TO FACE BRIGHTON (4-3-3)
Defence
Alisson Becker will be frustrated at the lack of clean sheets since coming back from an injury. Brighton have been decent in front of goal and will surely test him in this game.
Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren were both superb against the Italian side and will hope to put in a similar performance against the likes of Neal Maupay this weekend.
Alexander-Arnold failed to make an impact coming off the bench in the mid-week but should start this game at right-back in the Liverpool team. Andrew Robertson will be a handful for the likes of Martin Montoya and even Shane Duffy at the back for The Seagulls.
Midfield
Fabinho’s absence will pose a few issues for Klopp this weekend. Jordan Henderson has not been at his best in the no.6 role while Adam Lallana is still finding his feet. This leaves Georginio Wijnaldum as the most likely alternative for Liverpool in this tie.
The skipper adds stability to the midfield and deserves to keep his place on the right side of the midfield three. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the player to add some impetus and creativity to the Liverpool side in the middle of the park for the Liverpool team.
Attack
Unless his hand is forced, Klopp hardly changes his front line.
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have not found any consistency this season but will look to get back among the goals in this game with the Egyptian coming back to the team.
Sadio Mane, Liverpool’s best attacker this season and arguably last, will be the danger man for the visitors. Keeping him and Robertson quiet will be crucial for Brighton’s chances of taking any positives from this daunting trip.
Here is how they might line up:
