Prediction: Brighton vs Liverpool

Verdict: Liverpool to Win & Both Teams to Score

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Having lost their first Premier League game of the season, Liverpool are getting ready for a tricky test at Brighton. The Reds are eager to get back to winning ways and tighten the grip on their title charge but Brighton have also got an agenda of their own and will be determined to pull an upset against the champions-elect Liverpool.

Brighton

Brighton picked up an important point at West Ham last week which pushed them further away from the danger zone as the Seagulls now sit 13^th in the standings, four points clear off Crystal Palace in 14^th.

The positive result was followed by more good news as Brighton achieved a 3-1 win at Bournemouth in the FA Cup and there’s no doubt hosts will be heading into the big match with Liverpool feeling rather optimistic. Their optimism will be backed by numbers as Brighton have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games at the Amex. What’s more, they managed to score in every home fixture so far which Liverpool should take as a warning. On the opposite side of the Seagulls’ positive home records rest troubles against the top-eight opposition. Brighton have won only once against any of the Premier League’s current top-eight teams. The hosts will definitely hope Glenn Murray could help them end such a negative trend, however. The Brighton key man scored seven of his eight league goals at home this season and will be the one to watch this weekend.

Team News

Midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Matt Ryan are both currently involved in national duty representing Iran and Australia at the Asian Cup, respectively.

Forward Jose Izguierdo is suffering from a knee injury and is a huge selection doubt for this match.

Liverpool

The Premier League title chasers Liverpool did not enjoy the best of starts to 2019. Having lost their first league match at the hands of Manchester City, Reds went on to record another setback after getting eliminated from the FA Cup by Wolves.

Successive defeats brought an end to the nine-match winning streak and Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to get his team back on track. The huge top-two showdown with Citizens was a wake-up call for the Reds who will need to lift their guard back up in order to maintain the title challenge. Sitting four points clear at the top of the table, Liverpool cannot afford another slip-up. Much has been said about Jurgen Klopp’s selection choices against City and fingers were pointed at defender Dejan Lovren whose terrible display singlehandedly cost Reds the points. The German tactician once again shuffled his deck at Molineux this week but is expected to field his full-strength squad in order to send a clear message that Liverpool are not backing down in front of the first obstacle despite some major selection problems.

Team News

Dejan Lovren is unlikely to be fit for Liverpool’s trip to Brighton after sustaining a hamstring injury at Wolves.

Joe Gomez and Joel Matip continue to miss out which leaves Virgil van Dijk as the only senior centre-back available. Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum could form a back three at Brighton as Liverpool are seriousle deprived of options at the back.

Key Factors to Consider

• Brighton lost 1 of their last 7 Premier League matches at home
• Liverpool enjoyed a nine-match winning streak in the league before the man City blip
• Brighton won just once against all current top-eight sides in the league
• Liverpool lost their last two matches on the road
• The Reds only have one senior centre-back at disposal to trip to the Amex

Conclusion

Title chasers Liverpool are looking for a swift return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats in four days’ time. The Reds have been hit by severe selection problems and will be under a proper challenge against optimistic Brighton who look to extend their positive run of results. Liverpool should have enough about them to get three points and continue their Premier League title pursuit, however.

Verdict: Liverpool to Win & Both Teams to Score

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: 888sport