With the cup games out of the way, attention is once again turned toward the Premier League fixtures this weekend. Liverpool will be travelling to Brighton on Saturday afternoon in a bid to show that they're ready to get back to winning ways at the top of the Premier League.
Current Form
Brighton
Brighton have been struggling a little bit this season and, although they're safely above the relegation zone for the time being, have been on a poor run of form over the last few weeksn. They currently find themselves in 13th place in the Premier League on 26 points with a goal difference of -5. Over the previous 5 fixtures, Brighton have won just 1, drawing 2, and losing 2.
Statistically, Brighton are showing why they're hovering just above the danger zone in the Premier League this season. They've scored 24 times so far, an average of 1.14 goals per game, and this isn't a bad return for a club of Brighton's size. However, they've also conceded 29 times, an average of 1.38 goals per game. This is something they'll be looking to improve on going forward.
Liverpool
Despite what the over the top media reaction would suggest, Liverpool remain in an incredibly strong position at the top of the Premier League table on 54 points. The Reds currently have a 4 point lead on 2nd placed Manchester City. Over the previous 5 fixtures, Liverpool have won 4 and lost 1.
Statistically, Liverpool have looked impressive in most areas this season. They've scored 49 goals so far, an average of 2.23 goals per game. Defensively, the Reds have looked stronger than any other team having conceded just 10 times, an average of 0.45 goals per game.
Head to Head
Over the previous 10 meetings between the clubs, Brighton have won 1, Liverpool have won 7, and there have been 2 draws. It should be noted that the clubs have only met 5 times since 2011, and Liverpool won every game. Brighton's last win in this fixture came back in March 1983.
Analysis
Brighton
Had Liverpool beaten Manchester City in the last round of fixtures then hardly anyone would have been giving Brighton a chance in this game. However, Liverpool did not beat Manchester City and so there seems to be a small feeling that this is now an interesting game. On paper, Liverpool should win this game easily, but Brighton may be able to run with the overriding feeling that the Reds are now vulnerable and may be able to make the most of an early positive atmosphere from their supporters.
Defensively, Brighton will need to be at their best as Klopp's side are likely eager to show that the Wolves defeat was simply due to a much-weakened squad. With the big-hitters of Salah, Mane, and Firmino returning to the starting 11, you can guarantee that they will be hungry for goals to put themselves back on track in the pursuit of the Premier League title.
Brighton's best chance at a positive result here would be to try to make the most of Liverpool's injury issues at the back. Gomez, Matip, and Lovren are now injured in central defence and that means that Fabinho, a defensive midfielder, will likely be called upon to put in a shift alongside van Dijk. Fabinho has the abilities to play this role, as he demonstrated against Wolves, but it is an area that Liverpool may be slightly vulnerable in. The early stages of the game are important here as Liverpool will likely go on to get a result should they score early.
Liverpool
Much has been made of Liverpool's form over the last week with consecutive losses to Manchester City and Wolves hanging over them like a dark cloud. It is important to remember, however, that Liverpool played a very weakened team in the FA Cup and that display doesn't fall at the feet of the usual first team players. The loss to Manchester City was unfortunate, but they're definitely weren't dominated and a couple of small incidents, namely the Mane chance that was 11mm away from being a goal and the should-have-been red card tackle from Kompany, could have changed the result. Still, a loss is a loss and the Reds now need to get back to winning ways over the next few weeks.
As mentioned above, injuries in defence are a bit of a headache for Klopp, but Liverpool should be on the front foot for most of this match. The attacking players simply need to do their part and this should be a win for Liverpool that keeps them on track to win the Premier League. Complacency is something the Reds cannot afford here and although a loss would be damaging, it wouldn't be the end of the world as some would be quick to declare. Klopp's job here is to remind Liverpool of what's a stake and to tell them to go out and play fast-paced attacking football that Brighton are unlikely to be able to live with.
Predictions
Klopp and his team will be keen to go out and make a statement here. Losing to Manchester City is fine as long as you keep winning the majority of your other games. This is one of those games and Liverpool should be too strong for Brighton over the 90 minutes.
Prediction: Liverpool win
Score Prediction: Brighton 1 - 3 Liverpool
Betting Picks
Over 3.5 goals at 2.62
I feel that Liverpool will look to put in a dominant display here. An early goal could open the floodgates, but Brighton also have a goal per game average of over 1 so could well score at the other end. Over 2.5 goals at 1.62 is also available if you're a little more conservative.
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