PREDICTING THE LIVERPOOL TEAM TO FACE BRIGHTON

Liverpool host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League tomorrow afternoon. After a succession of away games, the Reds return to Anfield against a side they lost to, at this ground last season. Graham Potter’s men have enjoyed a strong start to the season and lie in 5th place with just two defeats this season. We take a look at how we expect Jürgen Klopp to line up his side.

In goal, Alisson Becker should return, having had the midweek off. He’s actually never played in any of the two domestic cup competitions since joining the club. Ahead of him, I’m thinking Jürgen will go with the back four that kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford. Trent and Robbo at full back, with Konaté partnering Van Dijk once again. None of this back five featured against Preston so should be fresh.

In the middle of the pitch, Hendo should continue in the holding role in Fabinho’s abscence. The skipper was immense at Old Trafford and will face a stern test up against his best mate Lallana. To the right of Hendo, Keita could come straight back in after his scintillating display at Old Trafford. He’s shaken off the ill effects of that horrible tackle and should get a chance to build on that performance.

On the left of midfield, it’s a straight shoot out between Jones and Ox. Neither forced the manager’s hand with their performance on Wednesday night. Jones could get the nod simply because he’s been ahead of Ox in the pecking order so far this season with a number of solid outings under his belt. He will need to play well to keep his place going forward though. Especially with Thiago returning to training.

Picking the front three is a welcome headache for the gaffer this season. All four of Salah, Firmino, Mané and Jota are in good nick. Jota responded to being selected at Old Trafford ahead of Mané, with a goal and assist. Bobby didn’t get on the scoresheet but was vital to the win with his selfless off the ball work. Mo is untouchable right now so that’s a non-starter.

Mané has looked more like himself this season too and has scored 5 times already in the league so far. Will Klopp drop him for two games in a row? I don’t this so. I expect Mané to start, just for the simple fact that he was given the night off in midweek and didn’t even travel with the squad. Brighton’s centre halves (Dunk & Duffy) lack pace so to exploit that, I’m predicting a three pronged attack of Salah, Jota and Mané.

Shear pace and directness, not to mention a ruthless streak infront of goal. Any space in behind the defence will be targeted, and it helps that Brighton will come out and play too. They won’t just sit back with ten men behind the ball and look to get away with a point or a narrow defeat. That could mean we’ll get chances on the counter, and that pace through the middle could be key.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Keita, Jones, Salah, Jota, Mané.

Subs: Adrian, Williams, Matip, Gomez, Tsimikas, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Firmino, Minamino, Origi.