Liverpool vs Brighton – News and Probable Lineups

Liverpool may find themselves in contention for the Premier League title if they manage to secure a win against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield this Sunday.

Currently, Liverpool sits fifth in the standings with 12 points, while Brighton has made an impressive start to their campaign, claimed third place with 16 points.

Match overview

Liverpool is on the hunt for their first league victory at home under the management of Andoni Iraola, having experienced two draws and a loss at Anfield in their domestic matches.

It is worth noting that Liverpool triumphed 4-3 against Villarreal on Tuesday in the Champions League, after coming back from a 2-0 deficit, achieving their second victory at home in Europe.

The latest Premier League match under Iraola saw a 2-1 victory over Brentford at the Gtech on October 17. While the team deserves kudos for securing a win after conceding first, their opposition had a player sent off right before half-time.

Despite being nine points adrift of league leaders Manchester City and six behind second-placed Arsenal, it’s noteworthy that City has a fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday, while Arsenal is set to visit Anfield on November 1.

Even though Liverpool has conceded 10 goals in their last four matches, their defensive capabilities appear stronger this season compared to the previous one, as they have faced the second lowest non-penalty xG in the league (7.50).

On the attacking front, Alexander Isak has netted five goals in his six Premier League appearances, and young talent Rio Ngumoha has made a significant impact from the right side of attack.

Brighton has had an astonishing start to their season, winning eight of their 12 matches across all competitions and experiencing only one defeat.

The Seagulls have emerged victorious in all four of their most recent Premier League fixtures, scoring 15 goals and maintaining four clean sheets.

During this period, head coach Fabian Hurzeler oversaw victories against teams such as Arsenal and Crystal Palace, while also guiding his squad to wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa this season.

Brighton has triumphed over Liverpool in two of their last three league encounters, with both wins occurring at the Amex Stadium; however, the visitors have not won in their last four visits to Anfield.

In the six away matches this season, Hurzeler’s only setback came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 30, but since then, they have secured three victories and one draw on the road.

Team News

Liverpool will be missing several long-term absentees such as Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, but there are now serious doubts regarding the availability of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz.

It may be a gamble to play either player, leading Iraola to potentially trust teenager Trey Nyoni in the midfield instead of Szoboszlai, while Bradley Barcola and Ngumoha might be in contention to start as wingers in Munoz’s absence.

Additonally, Iraola is likely to stick with Ronald Araujo in the right-back position, although there are suggestions that Ryan Gravenberch could also be a viable option.

Brighton forward Charalampos Kostoulas has enjoyed a stellar run in the Premier League this season, contributing three goals as well as two assists.

The attacker will require support from the midfield contingent, which may include Yasin Ayari and Chema Andres, with wide players Diego Gomez and Maxim De Cuyper also set to play key roles on Sunday.

Liverpool probable starting XI:

Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Bird, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isaac

Brighton & Hove Albion probable starting XI:

Consume; Kadioglu, Dunk, Vuskovic, Boscagli; Gross, Ayari; Gomez, Yalcoue, De Cuyper; Kostoulas

If Liverpool underestimates the Seagulls, they might find it challenging to match the visitors’ vigor.

Nonetheless, the Reds possess the offensive capabilities necessary to breach Brighton’s defensive line, and they may secure their first league victory at Anfield under Iraola.