Liverpool look to return back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton.
The Reds find themselves in sixth position in the Premier League, just a single point above Brighton ahead of the clash at the south coast this weekend. However, they remain seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United following the 3-1 defeat to Brentford away last week.
Confidence isn’t high within the Jurgen Klopp-managed side at the moment as they head into the league fixture on the back of a 2-2 draw with Wolves in the FA Cup third round.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool have been dealt with a major injury blow with Virgil van Dijk expected to be sidelined for weeks with a hamstring problem. Van Dijk’s issue is the latest injury frustration for Jurgen Klopp who is also without Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Arthur Melo, Roberto Firmino and James Milner.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker made a howler against Wolves that led to the opening goal in the FA Cup tie at Anfield. He will be desperate to make amends by producing a strong performance in goal against Brighton.
Defence
Joel Matip deputised in Van Dijk’s injury absence at the heart of Liverpool’s defence against Wolves. He will once again partner Ibrahima Konate in the back four, with Joe Gomez also an option.
Two of the world’s best full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson should retain their spots in the Liverpool rearguard. While they are excellent going forward, both the full-backs have to be defensively at their best to keep Brighton’s in-form wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March quiet.
Midfield
Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson should form the Liverpool midfield at the weekend. Fabinho and Henderson have to perform at a higher level to match the energy and intensity of Brighton’s midfielders.
Thiago remains a sure-fire starter for the Reds, and it will be an understatement to say Klopp’s side will be highly dependent on the Spaniard’s creativity and vision to unlock the well-drilled Brighton backline.
Attack
Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah will take up the wide positions, causing menace for De Zerbi’s side down the left and left wing, respectively. Darwin Nunez is expected to spearhead the Liverpool attack once again. He scored a fine goal against Wolves in the FA Cup which should have given him some confidence after his glut of missed chances in recent games.
Players like Harvey Elliot, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita could get opportunities to make an impact in the second half of the game at the Amex Stadium.