Liverpool vs Brighton | Opposition Preview

Written by: Daniel Ghorbal @GhorbalDanAlthough Liverpool’s season thus far has been nothing short of mesmerising, an accumulation of events in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Napoli have added some pressure to Klopp’s side. Not only does the result mean that Liverpool’s trip to Salzburg now requires full concentration, but injury to Fabinho could be a big blow. The Brazilian international was forced off early on with what looked like an ankle injury, and although he cannot play this match anyway due to suspension.Immediately, this encounter with Brighton was identified as a fixture where rotation could be made, sandwiched between a key European match and a hostile derby against local rivals Everton, and despite the need to keep key players fresh, Brighton could surprise people if we were to be complacent. The Seagulls have made an indifferent start to the season, winning 4, drawing 3, whilst losing 6. After appointing Graeme Potter in the summer from Swansea, expectations were rather high after two disappointing campaigns under Chris Hughton. Potter was identified as the man with a philosophy that can push Brighton into the top 10 of the league, backed by owners who aren’t afraid to spend.3 marquee signings were made in summer with Neil Maupay and Adam Webster making the transgression from Championship to Premier League alongside Potter, as well as Leandro Trossard, a speedy Belgian winger who has caught the eye when he has played this season. Brighton have played attractive football throughout this season and arguably should have more points than the league table suggests. Games against Aston Villa and Newcastle stand out as ones whereby they should’ve picked up all 3 points, yet that opening day win at Watford remains their solitary win away from home.

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For Brighton this season, they have found the right balance of defence and attack, not scoring loads but often keeping it tight at the back too, coming into Saturday’s game with twice as many clean sheets as Liverpool, a credit to the way they have said up.Similarly to Sheffield United, Brighton often operate with over-lapping centre-backs/ full-backs, with 6’7 Dan Burn venturing forwards on many an occasion this season. On the other hand, they have two fast, high-press centre-forwards through Neil Maupay and Aaron Connolly, with the former being one of the success stories of the Premier League season.Bursting onto the scene in the League cup, Connolly impressed and was given his chance in the Premier League, one that he grasped and took complete use of. His most notable performance of the season came at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 2 and running Spurs’ centre-half’s ragged. For a youngster, he has real confidence and an identity as a striker that will run in behind and use his pace although unfortunately he has missed the last couple of gams through injury and is a doubt for the game.Similarly, Maupay has impressed in the top flight too, unsurprisingly after the season he had in the Championship last season. He is Brighton’s top scorer and tends to score later on in games which is a testament of his desire to keep battling right to the end.Overall, Brighton will not be expectant of a result this Saturday with Anfield undoubtedly the hardest place to pick up any points, but with a nothing to lose mentality they may play with confidence to attack Liverpool and see if they can cause us any problems. With Fabinho out and changes to be made, Liverpool may be unsettled early on and not at the races, so it’ll be fascinating to see how Brighton approach the game.Score Prediction- Liverpool 3-1 Brighton because clean sheets apparently don’t exist anymore.Written by: Daniel Ghorbal @GhorbalDan