Liverpool are eighth place in the Premier League ahead of the return from the international break. Jurgen Klopp’s team struggled to turn draws into wins in August and September, resulting in the club being nine points behind Arsenal in the title race.
Brighton are first up for Liverpool following the international break. The Seagulls head to Anfield where they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 last season. Liverpool would have won the Premier League title had they won the match versus Brighton.
A brilliant challenge to regain possession by @JamesMilner, followed by a composed @MoSalah finish 😎#LIVBHA pic.twitter.com/KDIiNWgb1l— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 28, 2022
A brilliant challenge to regain possession by @JamesMilner, followed by a composed @MoSalah finish 😎#LIVBHA pic.twitter.com/KDIiNWgb1l
Brighton go to Liverpool with new manager Roberto de Zerbi in tow. Graham Potter moved to Chelsea during the international break, with De Zerbi being appointed in his place. De Zerbi last managed Shakhtar Donetsk but left the club in the offseason due to the war in Ukraine.
Liverpool took nine points from the last six matches, going unbeaten in five of the fixtures. The Reds outscored opponents 15-6 across the six matches.
Klopp’s team is experiencing the same downturn in form that occurred the season after winning the Premier League. Liverpool’s players put out an almighty effort in 2021-22, and it is affecting the squad. Injuries nor the form of top players have not helped the Reds.
Brighton bagged 13 points from the last 18 points on offer. Five of their last six Premier League matches ended as wins. However, Potter left for Stamford Bridge and De Zerbi must now pick up where the former manager left off.
Klopp still has seven players in the treatment room despite the international break giving the squad time off. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita remained ruled out with leg injuries.
Andrew Robertson is a major doubt following a knee injury, meaning Kostas Tsimikas is likely to start. Centre-back Ibrahima Konate is still a doubt, and Curtis Jones is ruled out with a calf injury.
Summer signing Calvin Ramsey remains out with a back problem. He hasn’t appeared in a game (friendly or league) for Liverpool since signing from Aberdeen in the summer.
Three players could miss out on De Zerbi’s debut. Jakub Moder has a knee injury and will miss the fixture. Enock Mwepu is a doubt following an illness, and former Liverpool player Adam Lallana is out with a back problem.
Liverpool are unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 matches versus Brighton in all competitions.
The Reds should post a hard-fought win at Anfield with the match ending 2-0. Liverpool scored a minimum of 2.0 goals in 16 of their last 20 league fixtures.