Under Graham Potter, Brighton have been labelled as one of the most ‘unlucky’ teams in the country, a repeated theme being their tendency to have more expected goals than the opposition and still draw/lose. Although relegation was never a genuine fear in the 2020/21 season, expectations heading into this campaign were high after showing just how well they could perform on a regular basis. Brighton’s ability to create chances was one of the best in the league, but the lack of a clinical strike-force let them down on multiple occasions. Thankfully for Potter and fans of the club, the Seagulls have started well thus far and sit in 5th ahead of Saturday’s trip to Anfield. losing just twice in nine appearances. Scoring nine and conceding nine in the time, there is a balance to Brighton this season that has seen them pick up some excellent results, despite the most recent fixture being a 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City. Even that defeat was a game in which Brighton stuck to their philosophy and caused City many problems in the second half.
On Saturday, I have no doubts that Graham Potter’s game plan will be to play as they have been doing already. Many clubs have travelled to Anfield in recent seasons and set up to defend, regardless of any previous tactics and seen it completely fail, but Potter’s nous as a manager suggests that he is confident to take on the best. Although Liverpool were far from themselves last season, Brighton took all 3 points at Anfield and deserved the victory, playing with an exuberance that has seen them take praise from the media and neutral observants.
What has been the key to Brighton’s success?
Tactically, the set up in a 3-5-2 formation with wing backs that can drop into a 5-3-2 has been successful for Brighton. Their attacking output has been relatively poor but throughout Potter’s tenure they have been sublime defensively. The likes of Cucurella, Veltman, Lamptey and March all perform admirably in the wing-back roles, offering huge support going forward whilst also having the tendencies to double up defensively. On Saturday, the defenders down Brighton’s left will have a huge job on their hands trying to tame Mohamed Salah, but doubling up on that side whilst having midfielders who drop in and help is undoubtedly a tactic that Brighton will deploy. It would not surprise me if there are occasions on Saturday when Salah has the ball and is surrounded by those in Brighton colours.
The excellent defensive record is cushioned by a wonderful midfield, usually controlled by Yves Bissouma, Adam Lallana and Pascal Gross. All technically gifted players, their ability to pick out passes and keep the ball in tight areas is something that has impressed me. When clubs of Brighton’s size come to Anfield and grounds of a similar nature, it is easy to lose focus and just simply aim to get the ball straight up the pitch, but I suspect Brighton will aim to get the ball down and play the opportunities present themselves. Graham Potter works hard on ensuring that his players don’t give the ball away cheaply, and although several of their goals conceded come from individual errors, it is a high-risk high-reward game plan.
One side-note from all of this is that chances do not come at a premium in games of this stature. As we saw in midweek away at Preston (albeit a weakened Liverpool side) if you do not take your chances, you will be punished. Although both Leandro Trossard and Neil Maupay are technically good players, that clinical nature in front of goal is the difference between a loss and a famous win. Liverpool are on immense form at the minute and the expectation is for this to continue, but if Brighton stick to their principles and don’t get drawn into the crowd, there is a chance they can frustrate The Reds and show exactly why they have Top seven ambitions this season.
Predicted team
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