Game Week 31 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Brighton at the Amex

Brighton vs Liverpool preview: Reds eye closing gap on Man Utd after their draw; Seagulls chase Europe. Verdict: Liverpool to win.

Liverpool's quest to feature in next season's Champions League faces another test on Saturday. Will the champions beat Brighton to brighten their hopes? (Photo credit: LFC)

 Brighton vs. Liverpool

Amex Stadium

1:30pm

Liverpool has another chance to move closer to Manchester United on the Premier League log after the Red Devils failed to beat Bournemouth on Friday.

Manchester United twice lost their lead at the Vitality Stadium in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Controversy trails the game as a penalty incident, which wasn't awarded for Manchester United, led to Bournemouth's equalizer. Harry Maguire was then sent off, and a penalty was awarded. to Bournemouth late in the game.

What that result from the Vitality Stadium means is that the Reds will move within three points of Manchester United. They had the same opportunity last weekend, which they passed on as they settled for a 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Anfield.

Brighton's hopes of European football next season will take a huge hit if they fail to earn a result at home against the champions. Brighton beat Sunderland last weekend, a result that has improved their standings on the log.

The Seagulls have been underwhelming in recent games. Their real question for Fabian Hurzeler is ambition. Where does he see his club at the end of the season? Consistency has been lacking; they must get a grip now.

How will the two teams approach this game? Brighton works too hard in games for the results they eventually earn. They don't take their chances, and they struggle to defend deep, which is why they concede a lot.

Liverpool beat Galatasaray with an emphatic performance in midweek. The Turkish side was shocking in defending, but you must give it to Liverpool for getting the job done without leaving anything behind.

Mohammed Salah looks like he's getting his groove again. Hugo Ekitike has to start; Arne Slot's decision to leave out some top stars at the weekend cost them points. Liverpool must start this one on the front foot.

Both sides need this game. Kaoru Mitoma is available to start; you expect Danny Welbeck to lead the line, while at the other end, Alison is injured again. This means Mamardashvili will be in goal for the champions.

Verdict: Liverpool to win.