Goal-laden cup tie on the South Coast
Brighton and Hove Albion host Liverpool on Sunday afternoon in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Seagulls and Roberto De Zerbi will still be very frustrated that they were unable to progress to the Carabao Cup quarter finals, losing out to Charlton Athletic on penalties in the last 16.
Brighton dispatched Jurgen Klopp’s Reds to a 3-0 scoreline in the league, with Solly March and Danny Welbeck producing a very memorable afternoon on the South Coast, and how they would love a repeat of that to ensue.
Liverpool will probably be prioritising climbing back into the Premier League’s top four over the FA Cup at the moment, which suggests that the Seagulls could have another chance to get one over the Reds.
Background
Brighton have scored six goals in two games against the Reds this season, with a 3-3 draw playing out at Anfield.
Jakub Moder is the Seagulls’ only injury absentee heading into the fixture, and it will be interesting to see if De Zerbi hands any opportunities out to fringe players with the change of competition and Brighton’s outside chance to qualify for European football this season.
The Reds will be without: Arthur, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool have been a tough side to get a read on this season, posting outstanding numbers in the final third but being so unreliable defensively that they have given themselves an uphill task to finish in the top four, all occurring while Alisson has been excellent between the sticks.
It would appear that Manchester City are putting less focus on domestic cup competitions this season, these variables may not seem relevant in this fixture, but it does increase Brighton’s chances of achieving a historic moment, and their staff immortality.
Goals?
I am taking goals, which De Zerbi’s methods tend to lead towards, but I would also consider a pro-Brighton angle.
Brighton have scored in nine of ten.
Brighton have conceded in eight of ten.
Brighton have seen both teams score in eight of ten.
Brighton have seen over 2.5 goals in nine of ten.
Liverpool have scored in seven of ten.
Liverpool have conceded in seven of ten.
Liverpool have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Liverpool have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Mitoma's worldie gets us the winner, 2-1 Brighton.