Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat against Brentford as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds travel to the south Coast on Saturday to face Brighton.
The high-flying Brentford handed the Merseysiders a 3-1 upset last time out in top flight action which meant that Liverpool currently sit seventh in the league standings, seven points adrift of the fourth placed Manchester United.
Since then, the only game Liverpool have turned out was against Wolves in the FA Cup opener at Anfield with the result a 2-2 stalemate between the two sides, setting the stage for a replay fixture.
Klopp’s side are unbeaten at the Amex Stadium so far, having clinched the win five of their last six visits in all competitions and the upcoming contest will be of much importance to the top four hopefuls who have not hit the ground running in a consistent fashion this season.
With injury troubles failing to subside for the Anfield camp, amid reports that striker Darwin Nunez could be the latest name to be sidelined with an injury ahead of the trip to Brighton, Klopp will be looking for a positive result against the Seagulls which could prove to the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround on Merseyside.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Saturday 14 January 2023
Time: 4 PM GMT
Venue: American Express Community Stadium
TEAM NEWS
The much-experienced Roberto Firmino remains an injury concern for Liverpool despite initial assumptions that he would be in line for a swift return to the team.
Adding to the worries of Klopp, Darwin Nunez could be deemed a fitness concern with the summer signing missing out on training in the last few days.
James Milner and Stefan Bajcetic are both expected to make the matchday squad following their respective return to full fitness after brief spells on the sidelines.
KEY BATTLE
Mohamed Salah vs Moises Caicedo
With Firmino and Nunez all but certain to miss out on the trip to Brighton, Liverpool will depend upon talisman Mohamed Salah along with new boy Cody Gakpo to trouble the Brighton backline.
Salah has been far from his brilliant best in the goalscoring charts this term with seven Premier League goals to his name and the Egyptian winger will be looking to make a difference for his side come Saturday.
Brighton’s midfield talent Moises Caicedo has earned rave reviews for his displays on the south Coast with some of the biggest clubs across the land, including Liverpool, keeping a close watch on his situation ahead of the summer.
The 21-year-old will undoubtedly hope to put out a splendid display in the engine room for Brighton against his suitors Liverpool as he looks for an exit route.
MATCH PREDICTION
The visitors Liverpool have a stern challenge awaiting them on their travels to Amex which has been a happy hunting ground for the Reds in recent times and we expect them to emerge victorious once again.
Brighton 1-3 Liverpool
