Liverpool vs Brighton: A Conveniently Timed Clash with Roberto De Zerbi

Following the news that Xabi Alonso will not be Liverpool manager next season, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is one of the favourites to takeover at Anfield in the summer. However, he will have the task of facing the Reds first as his Brighton side travel to Anfield on Sunday.

A victory for the Reds would provisionally move them three points clear at the top of the Premier League, however Brighton will definitely prove to be tricky opposition. Today we’re going to be taking a closer look at Liverpool’s opponents and some of the key threats that lie within their ranks.

Recent Form:

Brighton come into Sunday’s game in a patchy run of form, with three wins in their last eight games across all competitions. They have, however, won their last two games with 1-0 victories over Nottingham Forest and AS Roma. Prior to that though, De Zerbi’s side had suffered three consecutive defeats to Wolves, Fulham and Roma.

They’ve struggled massively at the back this season, but two consecutive clean sheets could be a suggestion of a change to their woeful defensive record. It’s been over three months since the Seagulls last took a point from one of the ‘Big Six’, with a 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in December being the most recent example.

Head-to-Head Record:

The Seagulls have proved to be tricky opposition in recent meetings with the Reds, only suffering one defeat in their last eight meetings with Liverpool. They also hold an impressive record at Anfield, which even the best teams in the country can’t boast about.

Liverpool’s last victory over Brighton at Anfield came all the way back in November 2019 in a 2-1 win. Jurgen Klopp’s men have failed to win any of their last three home meetings with Brighton.

Key Threats

Joao Pedro

The Brazilian striker is enjoying a sensational debut season on the South Coast, scoring 19 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions so far this season. Pedro has impressed largely in the Premier League too, with eight goals and two assists in the league this season.

Some of those goals have come against strong opposition too, with the number nine bagging goals against the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Simon Adingra

22-year-old winger Simon Adingra was a constant thorn in Liverpool’s side and scored in the previous meeting between these two sides back in October, which finished in a 2-2 draw. The Ivorian forward has six goals and one assist in 21 Premier League appearances, but it’s his overall game that can cause many sides issues.

Adingra has bundles of energy and tenacity to use and will be looking to exploit Liverpool’s full-backs on Sunday.

Pascal Grob

After being one of the most underrated players in the Premier League over recent years, 32-year-old Pascal Grob might finally be getting his well-deserved plaudits. The versatile German is currently top of the league’s assist chart, with ten assists in 26 appearances.

Across all competitions, he has five goals and 13 assists, emphasising the threat he could hold for Liverpool on Sunday.

Score Prediction

As strong as Brighton will be on Sunday, I struggle to see Liverpool letting anything slip in such an important game. The atmosphere should be bouncing at Anfield and that should reflect in the player’s performances.

Therefore, I’m going to back a slender victory for Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

Liverpool 2-1 Brighton