Premier League: Seagulls Aim to Ruin Liverpool’s Saturday!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool have a chance to strengthen their grip on the 2019/20 Premier League race this weekend, but they are set to face a dangerous opponent at Anfield.

Seagulls can be a real pest, particularly when they go after your fish and chips! And the footballing variety is planning to wreck Liverpool’s day when Brighton head to Merseyside to take on Jurgen Klopp’s league leaders.

This Premier League: Liverpool vs Brighton game is sure to be one of the most fascinating clashes of the weekend.

The runaway leaders keep on picking up the three points. Whether playing with scintillating style or grinding out the result, it really doesn’t matter. And on Saturday, they face a team which plays without fear and poses quite a threat.

The Seagulls have won three and lost three over the last six games by beating the Spurs (3-0) and Everton and losing to Manchester United and Leicester City.

Liverpool fans will be watching the kick-off at Newcastle where the Magpies host Manchester City. If Steve Bruce’s side can do Liverpool a big favour they could stretch their lead over the Sky Blues to 12 points.

At SBOBET odds of 1.24 to win a first league title in 30 years, surely Reds fans are daring to dream.

Talking Points

Klopp needs a trouble-free game

We keep saying it, but the biggest threat to Liverpool’s title charge is the possibility of injuries to key players. Coupled with the growing fixture list, injuries would apply an added pressure which is difficult to withstand.

Klopp is concerned by the seriousness of Fabinho’s injury after the influential midfielder limped off early on in last night’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Napoli.

“The biggest thing is the Fabinho injury, that’s massive. It’s early and we hope it’s not too serious but it’s pretty painful and in an area you don’t want to have pain around the ankle,” lamented Klopp.

The Brazilian has played in all but one of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season. He is banned for the Brighton game. But with the Merseyside derby looming next Wednesday, the Anfield faithful are sweating. However, they should still have too much for the Seagulls on Saturday.

Liverpool’s winning habit got them through at Selhurst Park last week when Roberto Firmino scored a late winner. That was his fourth of the season and the 18^th between the three amigos who terrorize defences up and down the league. Sadio Mane is leading the way with eight while Mo Salah has six.

Liverpool could equal their all-time longest unbeaten run in Premier League history if they avoid defeat against Brighton — Roberto Firmino celebrates with the fans after his winning goal for Liverpool against Crystal Palace

Seagulls owners delighted with Potter

After potting their previous manager Chris Hughton, the Brighton board came in for a lot of criticism. But it’s all smiles on the South Coast now following the appointment of Graham Potter.

He’s believed to be one of the most progressive young managers in football. And after guiding his team to 12^th place — with 15 points from 13 games — he’s just been granted a new six-year deal by Brighton chairman Tony Bloom.

Interestingly, 15 from 13 is an identical tally to this time last season, and Hughton’s side went on to win the next two. Football’s a funny old game!

Hughton worked miracles to get Brighton promoted and then keep them in the top flight, but it’s the change in style that the chairman seems to love.

Despite suffering back to back defeats Potter’s side is still handily placed in the Premier League table, with five points above the drop zone and three behind Sheffield United in sixth.

Big defender Shane Duffy was Brighton’s second top scorer last season but the Seagull’s have more creative flair upfront. French striker Neal Maupay leading the way with four goals.

History

If this game goes the way of the previous Liverpool vs Brighton results, then the Reds will make it seven wins from seven against their visitors.

Both games were tight affairs last season, with Klopp’s team settling for a 1-0 win home and away.

The league leaders are unbeaten in 14 games and had won seven on the bounce before the visit of Napoli last night.

Betting Tip

	Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion	Liverpool 2-0 @ 6.20
	November 30, 23:00 (GMT+8)

Liverpool are 1.22 to win and the draw is 6.20 while the Seagulls are at 11.00 to pull off a major shock.

The Liverpool vs Brighton betting odds make it tricky to find the best value in this game so I’m going to take a long shot with a small stake.

For all Brighton’s attractive football they have only scored 15 goals so far and Liverpool’s defence, who is marshalled by the imperious Virgil Van Dijk, has conceded just 11.

So I’m backing a clean sheet for the Reds and another win.