Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion meet for the second time this week as the duo prepare for battle in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Reds travelled to the south coast in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, with the defending champions edging an entertaining affair 3-2 to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Arne Slot will be eager to see a less chaotic performance from his side this time around as Liverpool aim to keep pace with Manchester City at the Premier League’s summit. A draw with Arsenal last weekend saw the Reds surrender top spot but they could leapfrog the Cityzens this weekend if they can topple the Seagulls.
Brighton had been flying under Fabian Hurzeler but have suffered a few setbacks over the past week. Wednesday’s defeat to Liverpool was preceded by a late implosion at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Seagulls conceding in the 88th and 93rd minute to surrender victory in a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool are still without Alisson, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota, with none of them likely to return until after the November international break due to injuries.
The good news for Slot is that he welcomed Conor Bradley back from injury midweek, offering Trent Alexander-Arnold a much-needed rest before he returns to the starting lineup on Saturday.
Cody Gakpo has done his chances of starting at the weekend no harm after scoring twice in the Carabao Cup, although left-wing rival Luis Diaz also netted against the Seagulls. Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister are among those set for a return to the starting XI.
