Anfield Awaits For Brighton: Brighton vs Liverpool Match Preview

It’s been exactly 217 days since the blue and white stripes of Brighton faced the explosive red of Liverpool. That afternoon, Albion cruised to a 2-1 victory over their northern opponents for the ninth time in their history. This weekend, the teams will battle once more, with both teams looking to continue their fine form with a return to Premier League action.

Brighton and Hove Albion return to action just three days after their last game, a disappointing 0-0 draw against Jablonec. The Seagulls’ trip to the Czech Republic was one of profound disappointment – being lucky to escape with another point on the board.

Though, on a more positive note, Albion have now kept five clean sheets in a row. Furthermore, the Seagulls haven’t lost since late August – losing their only game of the season so far away to Chelsea.

Liverpool have had relatively similar fortunes to Brighton this season. A sharp start to the season has left the Reds with seven wins, three draws and one loss. They began their season with back-to-back 2-2 draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

Then, their first win came at Portman Road, courtesy of two early Alexander Isak goals to comfortably beat Ipswich. More wins followed against Atletico Madrid, Spurs and Bournemouth before being torn apart by Manchester City at home. Yet, Liverpool have bounced back with another three wins in a row against LASK, Brentford and Villareal.

It’s been a strong start to life for new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola. Since his appointment, critics have been quick to say he isn’t the right man for the job. There have been cases in which a manager of a mid-table Premier League side has struggled in bigger jobs, most recently Thomas Frank at Tottenham. However, Iraola hasn’t had this problem and is proving himself to be capable of handling a job as huge as Liverpool.

Liverpool have beaten Brighton 25 times in their history, losing nine and drawing 12. One of the most notable clashes between the two was the FA Cup fourth round tie in 2023 on Brighton’s route to the semi-final. Liverpool drew first blood thanks to a Harvey Elliott goal on 30 minutes. The lead didn’t last long though, thanks to a deflected Tariq Lamptey strike that bounced off Lewis Dunk and into the net.

This close and fierce affair went all the way down to the final minute. A deep Pascal Gross cross was hooked back into the box for an unmarked Kaoru Mitoma. The winger would take a glorious touch and blast the ball past Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson – winning the tie for the Albion.

Brighton have lost many players from that day, including the man who scored the winning goal. Although, Mitoma is only temporarily lost, and should hopefully be returning from injury very soon. According to Ryan Adsett, the Seagulls are still without Pascal Struijk, Yankuba Minteh, Evan Ferguson, Stefanos Tzimas, Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna. Right back Mats Wieffer may return soon, but will struggle to break back into the side thanks to some stellar performances from Turkish defender Ferdi Kadioglu.

In the red corner, Liverpool have some very high-profile injuries too. Star man Dominik Szoboszlai may be out until mid-November, joining Conor Bradley, Geovani Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike on the injury list.

So, Brighton are expected to play a very familiar lineup tomorrow afternoon. Bart Verbruggen should line up behind a back four of Ferdi Kadioglu, Lewis Dunk, Luka Vuskovic and Olivier Boscagli.

The tried and tested midfield three of Pascal Gross, Chema Andres and Yasin Ayari should make another appearance, being a huge factor in Brighton’s fantastic form. Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gomez will line up either side of top scorer Babis Kostoulas, as the Seagulls hunt for another three points.

Liverpool are expected to blend experience with youth tomorrow afternoon. Alisson should be in goal, behind centre back duo Virgil Van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet. Milos Kerkez should play on the left, with Ronald Araujo lining up at right back.

Ex-Brighton favourite Alexis Mac Allister will link up with Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz in the middle, with Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha on the flanks. Leading the line for Liverpool is expected to be top scorer, Alexander Isak.

On what will be a damp Sunday afternoon, Albion will look to return to winning ways and leave Anfield with three points for what would only be the fourth time in their 125 year history.