Game Week 9 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Brighton

Liverpool must beat Brighton on Roberto De Zerbi's debut as Seagull's head coach. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Liverpool vs Brighton
Anfield
3:00pm

Who would have thought, that after playing seven times in the league so far, Liverpool would be behind the league leaders by a whopping nine points? While the Kops have a game in hand, their showing this season has left many wondering if they will compete for the title this season.

Everyone at Anfield is worried about the form of Mohammed Salah, the inconsistencies with the ever-reliable fullbacks – Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson as well as the injury woes the team has faced so far but are these excuses tenable?

Brighton and Hove Albion are in a good place in terms of where they stand on the log but the loss of their manager to Chelsea might be a clog in the wheel. New manager Roberto De Zerbi will make his debut on Saturday against Liverpool, baptism of fire?

Brighton has a way of dealing with Liverpool, the Graham Potter template could still be available although, the new Chelsea boss left the Amex with his entire backroom staff and it feels like a start from scratch for the Seagulls.

How will they line up? Nothing will appease the gods of Anfield more then a victory against Brighton, a loss or two points dropped would mean the Kops are falling farther off the pace and with games coming thick and fast, there might not be any shot available at redemption.

Liverpool will set up to win, Jordan Henderson is available for selection and that means he might be handed a starting role alongside Fabinho who made a long trip back from international duty and youngster Harvey Elliot.

Brighton will keep the core of their shining stars. Mac Alister, Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck are all expected to keep their respective places while Moses Caicedo who is said to have agreed terms with Liverpool for a winter move away will also sit at the base to protect the defense.

There will not be much margins available for errors for both sides; it will not be a disaster for Brighton to lose to Liverpool at Anfield but the reverse would make headlines and probably throw Liverpool completely off the title race.