The Anfield giants dropped to fifth place after winning the Premier League in 2024/2025. As a result, a new manager, Iraola, arrived in the summer. He began with a series of draws, but overall his team looked solid. In October, however, they suffered a 0-3 thrashing against Manchester City. They bounced back in the most recent round, defeating Brentford. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, after a spirited win over Atlético, the English side produced a “tennis-like” 6-3 scoreline against LASK. This week, they also came from two goals down to beat Villarreal.
The visitors from the coast returned to European competition at the end of last season after winning a difficult battle for eighth place. In the main phase of the Conference League, they overcame Kauno Žalgiris, but could only manage a goalless draw against Jablonec. In September, they also knocked Manchester United out of the League Cup away from home. And in the Premier League, only Arsenal and City made a better start! Against Crystal Palace, they even ran riot with a 5-0 victory.
The former champions average 1.29 goals scored per match, while conceding 1.14. Hürzeler’s side have been excellent, scoring 3.29 goals per game and conceding just 0.71.
Previous meetings: Liverpool – Brighton & Hove Albion
Van Dijk and company have won five of their last seven head-to-head encounters, suffering two defeats — both away from home.
The hosts are expected to win, but the visitors have plenty of ambition as well. We are backing “over 2.5 goals” (odds – 1.60).
Liverpool – Brighton & Hove Albion: key statistics and trends
Liverpool have won five of their last six matches
43% of Liverpool’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.43
Brighton & Hove Albion had won six matches in a row before Thursday’s goalless draw
9% of Brighton’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 4.0
Liverpool – Brighton & Hove Albion: possible starting lineups
Liverpool play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Alisson — Araújo, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez — Gravenberch, Mac Allister — Muñoz, Szoboszlai, Barcola — Wirtz
Brighton & Hove Albion play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Verbruggen — Kadioglu, Vušković, Struijk, Boscagli — Groß, Ayari — Gómez, Ayari, De Cuyper — Kostoulas
