Reigning champions Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

Liverpool are coming into this game after winning two matches consecutively for the first time since mid-December last year. They defeated both Tottenham and West Ham by the same 3-1 margin away from home. A victory here will consolidate their third position in the points table, only one point below the two Manchester clubs. 

Brighton has been struggling for consistency the entire season, and are ranked 17th in the points table. They registered their first home win of the season by a narrow 1-0 margin against Tottenham. They remained unbeaten in their last three games and will be looking to continue that streak here.

Liverpool hold a clear advantage record in head-to-head encounters with Brighton, having won 12 matches out of a total of 17 games played between the two teams, while the latter has managed only 1 win. The remaining 4 games were drawn.

The previous meeting between the two teams took place in November last year and ended in a 1-1 draw. D Jota scored the opening goal for Liverpool, while P Gross converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brighton. 

Rivalry Stats

Liverpool have been unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with Brighton across competitions (W10 D2), since a 2-0 FA Cup defeat in January 1984.

Liverpool’s 68-game-long unbeaten home run in the Premier League ended against Burnley in the last game. Nonetheless, the Reds haven’t lost consecutive home league games since September 2012 (vs. Arsenal and Manchester United).

Brighton have lost 8 of their last 9 away league games against Liverpool, only winning 1-0 in March 1982.

Liverpool’s M Salah has been involved in 9 goals in 7 Premier League appearances against Brighton (5 goals, 4 assists).

Match Details

• Match: Liverpool vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
• Date & Time: Feb. 4, 2021 at 1:45 AM IST 

Team News

Liverpool

• Injured: J Matip, Fabinho, S Mane, V van Dijk, N Keita, J Gomez, D Jota
• Doubtful: J Milner
• Suspended: None

Brighton & Hove Albion

• Injured: A Mac Allister, J Veltman, T Lamptey, D Welbeck, F Andone
• Doubtful: None
• Suspended: None

Predicted Starting XI

Liverpool (4-4-2)

Alisson (GK); T Alexander-Arnold, N Phillips, J Henderson, A Robertson; Thiago, G Wijnaldum, A Oxlade-Chamberlain, C Jones; R Firmino, M Salah

Brighton (3-4-2-1)

R Sanchez (GK); B White, L Dunk, A Webster; J Veltman, P Gross, V Bissouma, S March; P Tau, L Trossard; N Maupay

• Liverpool form guide: W-W-L-L-D
• Brighton form guide: W-D-W-W-L

Match Prediction

This will not be an easy game for Liverpool, despite their return to form over the past week. Nevertheless, they are expected to stay in control for long periods of time and should be able to convert a few chances.

Brighton will arrive at Anfield in fine form, given their recent record. If they can reproduce their performance in the last game, they stand a good chance of ending their streak of losses against Liverpool.

However, Brighton's style of play could give an advantage to Liverpool and we expect the reigning champions to make it three wins in a row.

Howzat Dream Team

• Goalkeeper: Alisson
• Defenders: T Alexander-Arnold, N Phillips, A Robertson, A Webster
• Midfielders: J Henderson, P Gross, V Bissouma, S March
• Forwards: M Salah, R Firmino

• Captain: M Salah/R Firmino
• Vice Captain: T Alexander-Arnold/A Robertson

NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can select your own fantasy football team by using your knowledge and fantasy premier league tips. Also, don’t forget to make any necessary changes to your team once the actual starting 11 is announced by each team (60 minutes before the start of the match) as some players you have selected might not be part of the fantasy 11.

Select your own team and play fantasy football on your favorite fantasy football app, Howzat!