Brighton v Liverpool – Match Preview

Vinolin gives his take on today’s game at the Amex stadium where Liverpool will be hosted by Premiership newcomers Brighton. Match Preview

The Reds head to the AMEX Arena on Saturday with a bit of momentum. Much has been made about manager Jurgen Klopp’s decision to rotate his squad during the last few fixtures. Many have seen his decisions as gambles.

However, so far they have paid off. The majority of the squad are enjoying game time and results are good. Liverpool thrashed Stoke City 3-0 midweek and will be hoping for another three points away from home on Saturday.

Their hosts Brighton are in a comfortable situation since being promoted and do not look out of place amongst England’s best. Much of this success can be put down to their home form, where they have lost only once this season (PL) against Manchester City (W2, D4, L1).

Team and Injury News

The hosts will still be without midfielder Steve Sidwell, who is still struggling with a back injury. Gaetan Bong faces a race against time to be fit for this encounter after he picked up a knock against Manchester United.

Liverpool have a few concerns for this encounter. Adam Lallana and Joel Matip are still not in first team training. Klopp may well rotate his side yet again and Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold will be hoping to start this encounter. Nathaniel Clyne is still out for the foreseeable future with a back injury.

Predicted Lineup

BRI (4-4-1-1): Ryan, Saltor, Dunk, Duffy, Suttner, Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo, Gross, Murray

LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Klavan, Lovren, Moreno, Henderson, Coutinho, Wijnaldum, Mane, Salah, Firmino

Prediction

Brighton 1 – 2 Liverpool – Brighton should provide a stiffer test than Stoke City but Liverpool’s attacking trio will prove too much for them on the day. Expect the Seagulls to score and make the finish a nervy encounter.

Follow Vinolin on Twitter: @vinolin_naidoo