Game Week 30 Predictions: Liverpool must beat Brighton

Liverpool vs Brighton: Can the Reds secure a crucial win to stay in the title race? Analysis and predictions.

Alexis Mac Allister welcomes his old teammates to Anfield, the Seagulls have had great games against the Reds in the past, will this be one of them? (Photo credit: Liverpool Echo)

 Liverpool vs. Brighton

Anfield

2:00pm

The run-in is well and truly underway. Liverpool understands that only a win would keep them in the driving seat for the title, and with the other two of the three musketeers going up against each other right after Liverpool’s game, it’s an opportunity that must not be missed.

Liverpool is neck-to-neck with Arsenal at the top, and they’re only behind on goal difference. A win for the Kops over Brighton at Anfield on Sunday sends Jurgen Klopp’s side to the top, and it could stay like that until at least midweek if there’s no outright winner at the Etihad or if the hosts win.

Brighton is having an erratic season; they’re out of the Europa League, which means they can now concentrate on their dwindling league form. The Seagulls also have to worry about their manager, who has been linked to three different jobs in Europe already.

Liverpool has shortlisted the Italian as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who leaves his role as head coach in the summer. Bayern Munich learned of Xabi Alonso’s situation on Friday and have also tipped Roberto Di Zerbi as Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, with United and Barcelona also looking at him.

With Brighton out of Europe, squad depth will help them see off some games with players coming back from injuries. The headache would be keeping certain players happy with a limited number of games to play.

Liverpool will have Mohammed Salah fully back for the game on Sunday. Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz are expected to be the other two upfront, with Cody Gakpo taking his place on the bench. Alexis MacAllister has been among the goals lately; he will be the man to anchor the midfield.

Liverpool’s FA Cup loss to Manchester United was a dagger to the quadruple charge. The goal was to send Klopp off on a high; now they have the Europa League and the league title to fight for, having already landed the League Cup a few weeks ago.

Brighton doesn’t hide; trust them to take the battle to Liverpool. They will likely lose the game, but they will throw everything at their hosts. They have been defensively struggling to find the right balance, and being out of Europe could help that.

Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United before the break could be a blessing in disguise; they win on Sunday, go top, and then take it one game at a time. It’s their title to lose as they have a lighter run-in compared to the other two sides; it begins from here.

Verdict: Liverpool to win