Liverpool are back in the Premier League title picture. The Reds are coming off of back-to-back wins in the league versus Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, winning by a 6-2 scoreline over the course of those games.
Now, Jurgen Klopp’s team host Brighton, a team that took points off of the Reds earlier this season. Liverpool underperformed versus Brighton and thanks to a penalty in the 90th minute from Danny Welbeck, the Seagulls snatched a 1-1 draw.
Graham Potter’s team have improved in recent weeks. They are unbeaten in three straight league matches and seven points above the relegation zone.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are four points off of Manchester City in the title race and play the Cityzens on Sunday at Anfield. The Reds must win versus Brighton to set up the top of the table bout at the weekend.
Klopp’s centre-back issues have been eased as Liverpool signed the duo of Ben Davies from Preston North End and Ozan Kabak from Schalke. As both players signed, Joel Matip was officially ruled out for the season due to ankle ligament damage.
He is the third centre-back to go out with a long-term injury. In spite of the issues at the back, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have played well for the Reds as a makeshift defence. Nat Phillips has also played well when given the chance.
Youngster Rhys Williams is unlikely to see much time on the pitch now. Klopp could be without James Milner for the match due to a tight hamstring while Naby Keita is still struggling with injury. Takumi Minamino was loaned to Southampton on Monday.
The manager may use the same diamond formation that worked against West Ham with Xherdan Shaqiri playing as a No. 10. Sadio Mane is likely to be held out of the game along with Fabinho with both coming back versus Manchester City.
Brighton have seven players injured and could be without a clutch of first-team members. Florin Andone, Tariq Lamptey, and Ali Jahanbaksh are all ruled out. Meanwhile, Alexis McAllister, Jason Steele, and Danny Welbeck are all suffering from injuries and doubts for the game.
📼 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀...🔜 #LIVBHA#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/GFU7bvEKdU— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 2, 2021
📼 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀...🔜 #LIVBHA#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/GFU7bvEKdU
Liverpool are unbeaten in seven straight matches versus Brighton in the league. Until Brighton snatched a draw earlier this season, Liverpool had won six straight times.
The Reds should continue their excellent run of form and keep pace with Manchester City with a win versus Brighton. Mohamed Salah scored twice versus West Ham and could get another goal this week.