Brighton will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they entertain Liverpool at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
The Seagulls have responded brilliantly to their 4-2 league defeat at the hands of Arsenal by smashing Everton 4-1 away in their last league outing, before trouncing Middlesbrough 5-1 at the Riverside Stadium in the FA Cup third round.
This should see a confident Brighton side heading into the game against Liverpool, who suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brentford in the league last time out and drew 2-2 with Wolves at Anfield in the FA Cup third round at the weekend.
Brighton Team News
Jakub Moder (knee) remains a long-term absentee for Brighton, but Adam Webster provided a welcome injury boost by coming on as a substitute against Middlesbrough at the weekend.
Danny Welbeck had missed the game against Everton with a muscle problem but he returned to the squad at Middlesbrough, coming on off the bench. Leandro Trossard didn’t travel with the squad to Middlesbrough due to an unspecified reason, so his availability against Liverpool remains doubtful.
Predicted Brighton Lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez was rested against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup but should return in goal when Brighton host Liverpool at the Amex Stadium.
Defence
Adam Webster’s return from injury is a big boost to Brighton, and the defender is expected to start against Liverpool after coming off the bench at Middlesbrough. Webster should partner Lewis Dunk in central defence, as the duo look to keep the Liverpool forwards at bay.
Tariq Lamptey could get the nod over Joel Veltman at right-back, while Pervis Estupinan hopes to produce the goods from the left-back position. Lamptey and Veltman both have to be defensively diligent to cope with the Liverpool wingers.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo is one of the first names on De Zerbi’s team sheet. Known for his energy and ball-winning ability, the Ecuadorian must perform at a high level to help Brighton dominate Liverpool in the middle of the park.
Partnering Caicedo in the double pivot will be Alexis Mac Allister, who scored a brace in the 5-1 win over Middlesbrough. With Mac Allister operating in a deeper role, Pascal Gros could be pushed into an advanced position to add more fluidity to Brighton’s attacking play.
Attack
Danny Welbeck may be asked to lead the Seagulls’ attack against Liverpool, with Leandro Trossard doubtful. Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma are in good form of late and will look to cause problems for the Liverpool backline from wide areas.
Julio Enciso, Adam Lallana and Jeremy Sarmiento will occupy positions on the bench, hoping to make an impression when called upon by the manager.