The Reds face a big test tonight with a visit from 17th place Brighton and Hove Albion, who are coming into the game off of the back of a strong 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and will no doubt be fancying their chances in a few hours time.
Liverpool have a good few games behind them, with two back-to-back 3-1 win’s over Tottenham and West Ham but will have some of their start names absent for tonight’s game despite slow progress in rehabilitation.
The likes of Sadio Mané, Fabinho, Naby Keita, and Diogo Jota are still no closer to a return from injury meaning we will likely see a similar set up to the game against the Hammers on Sunday – with us steering away from our usual 4-3-3 formation to a 4-3-1-2 with a diamond in midfield.
I can’t see us steering away from this type of setup tonight either but I reckon there will be one change in personnel for the starting XI. We won’t see our new additions of Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak start the game given the lack of time training and settling into the squad – so how might the Reds lineup tonight?
Formation: 4-3-1-2
I really can’t see there being too many changes from our starting XI against West Ham just a few days ago given that our new defensive additions aren’t quite ready to feature yet, as well as the fact that this squad did so well given the change in the system.
Brazilian Alisson will remain in goal as usual, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson finally starting to find their feet once again and showing the types of performances we have gotten used to over recent years. A central defensive partnership of Nat Phillips and Jordan Henderson seemed to play fantastically well together and I think Hendo’s leadership skills in defence have added a great deal of confidence to the Reds squad again which was needed.
Can Liverpool beat Brighton?
Yes
No
Our midfield four will likely remain unchanged too, with Gini Wijnaldum and Thiago both operating well since swapping roles with Wijnaldum’s ball retention a perfect attribute to playing as a No.6. Spanish midfielder Thiago has had to adapt his role with him moving more into a No.8 role which also seems to suit his skillset and has completely changed the Reds’ approach in games as of late – contributing to our recent change in results. Xherdan Shaqiri played so well as that No.10 against West Ham with him assisting Salah’s second goal and I can see him staying there tonight.
The only change to the XI will be Roberto Firmino coming in for Divock Origi up front alongside Salah who has been on fire as of late. Firmino came on during the game against the Hammers and assisted our third goal for Wijnaldum and I think he could operate really well in a two striker setup alongside Salah with him creating space when back in between the Brighton and defence and midfield for Salah to run in behind, but only time will tell to see if this is correct.
What do you think Liverpool fans, how would you lineup against Brighton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…