Liverpool will attempt to force their way into the Premier League’s top-four conversation when they welcome one of the division’s form teams, Brighton & Hove Albion, to Anfield on Sunday.

The hosts have begun to build momentum under Andoni Iraola despite a mixed start domestically, while Brighton have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the campaign and arrive on Merseyside sitting third in the table.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Liverpool

Liverpool’s European victory over Villarreal in midweek may prove to be a defining moment in their season.

Having fallen 2-0 behind at Anfield, the Reds produced an impressive turnaround to win 4-3, demonstrating both character and attacking quality. Bradley Barcola was once again influential, while Liverpool showed the resilience that Iraola has been trying to instil since his arrival.

However, domestic concerns remain. Despite last weekend’s important 2-1 victory away to Brentford, Liverpool are still searching for their first home league victory under their new manager after recording two draws and one defeat in their previous Premier League matches at Anfield.

Defensively, the numbers suggest Liverpool are stronger than recent scorelines indicate. Although they have conceded 10 goals in their last four matches across all competitions, they continue to rank among the league’s strongest teams when it comes to limiting high-quality opportunities.

In attack, Alexander Isak has quickly become one of Liverpool’s most important players, scoring five goals in six league appearances. Young winger Rio Ngumoha has also impressed with his direct running and creativity.

Team News

Team selection will again be affected by injuries. Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain absent, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are major doubts.

Should Szoboszlai miss out, highly-rated teenager Trey Nyoni may be handed another significant opportunity alongside Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, though it’s more likely to be Ryan Gravenberch.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton’s rise under Fabian Hurzeler has been one of the stories of the season so far.

The Seagulls have won eight of their opening 12 matches in all competitions and suffered just one defeat. Even more impressively, they arrive at Anfield on the back of four consecutive Premier League victories.

During that run, Brighton have scored 15 goals without conceding once, highlighting both their attacking potency and defensive organisation. Victories against Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have underlined their credentials as genuine European challengers.

Away from home, Brighton have been equally impressive. Since losing at Chelsea in August, they have won three and drawn one of their subsequent four road matches.

Team News

A major reason for their success has been the form of Charalampos Kostoulas. The forward has contributed three goals and two assists already and continues to grow in influence with each passing week.

Support from midfielders Pascal Gross and Chema Andres will be vital, while Diego Gomez and Maxim De Cuyper are expected to provide pace and creativity from wide positions.

Key Factors to Consider

• Liverpool recovered from 2-0 down to beat Villarreal 4-3 in midweek.
• The Reds are still looking for their first home league win under Andoni Iraola.
• Brighton have won four consecutive Premier League matches.
• The Seagulls have scored 15 goals and conceded none during that league run.
• Alexander Isak has scored five goals in six league appearances for Liverpool.
• Brighton have already beaten Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa this season.

Conclusion

Brighton arrive at Anfield full of confidence and have the intensity, organisation and attacking quality to trouble Liverpool throughout the contest.

However, Liverpool’s comeback victory against Villarreal may provide a significant psychological boost, and the Reds possess enough firepower to expose Brighton’s back line more effectively than most teams have managed this season.

This has all the ingredients of one of the most entertaining Premier League matches of the weekend. Brighton should create problems, but Liverpool’s attacking talent and home support could finally help Iraola secure his first league victory at Anfield.