Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Liverpool, Brighton And Hove Albion
Chris Stonadge
For the first time in what seems like eternity, a regular programme of Premier League football is set to go ahead this weekend, with Liverpool a part of it.
It will have been three weeks since the last time the Reds took to the field in a league outing - a 0-0 stalemate with city rivals Everton on September 12th.
Due to the Queen’s passing, state funeral and the subsequent international break, Klopp’s side have only played two UEFA Champions League games since.
Their opponents, Brighton & Hove Albion, will be playing their first match without Graham Potter after his departure to Chelsea - an advantage for his successor, Roberto de Zerbi.
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Although Anfield will provide a baptism of fire, the extra time afforded on the trining field will help the Italian integrate his image on his new squad, built on Potter’s foundations.
Not many Seagulls fans would have earmarked them to be ahead of the Reds in the table at this stage, especially after losing key players in Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella over the summer.
13 points, four wins, a draw and a loss later, they will still be above Klopp’s men even if they lose with Liverpool on just nine points from six.
Despite this, they have a truly adverse record against the Reds across their history.
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Their win in February 2021 and draws in November 2020 and October 2021 represent the only points they have accrued against them since regaining promotion, and before that Anfield victory, they hadn’t defeated Liverpool since 1984.
Steven Alzate, now of Standard Liege on loan from the Seagulls, scored that day in front of no fans.
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to call upon Ibrahima Konate for the first time in a competitive fixture this season, whilst the time off has allowed Diogo Jota and Thiago to continue their recoveries after their respective returns.
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There is still little sign of Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whilst the return of Curtis Jones is unknown.
Brighton will definitely be without Jakub Moder, who suffered a long-term injury and doesn’t expect to be back until February. Adam Lallana and Enock Mwepu should be available.
Liverpool should win. There’s no debate around that at Anfield, and after a long break, they should be able to call on newfound energy to kickstart their stuttering season.
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De Zerbi and his new side will provide tough opponents, but the Reds will come out 3-1 winners.