Klopp – We must be ready for “brave” Brighton

Liverpool face a visit from Brighton on Saturday as they look to maintain their edge in the race for the title.

Jurgen Klopp’s side remain unbeaten in the league this season, despite claims they haven’t quite hit top gear yet.

The Reds won last weekend against Crystal Palace. A late Roberto Firmino goal minutes after Wilfried Zaha’s equaliser gave Liverpool all three points at Selhurst Park.

However, they come into Saturday’s game off the back of a disappointing draw against Napoli in the Champions League in midweek.

Wednesday’s result leaves Liverpool needing a draw, at the very least, in their last group game away at RB Salzburg to ensure qualification for the knockout round.

Team News:

Arguably, the more worrying issue following the match was the injury to Fabinho. The Brazilian limped off with an ankle injury in the first half after 18 minutes.

It was revealed today the midfielder has suffered ankle ligament damage and will be out of action until after the New Year.

The 26 year old has become a vital cog in Liverpool’s midfield this season. However, Klopp remains confident he will find a “solution” to his absence.

The Liverpool boss spoke at a pre-match press conference today and said: “We have to replace him. We can replace him. We played without him. Played good without him. It’s all okay. But now it’s important that he is doing the right things and he can be back as soon as possible.

“In the preparation for the Napoli game we watched the game from last year, and that was Hendo (Henderson) playing that position.

“Gini (Wijnaldum) played the position already. Adam Lallana played the position. We can change system. We can do different things.

Losing a player with the quality of Fabinho is massive, but as I said, we are not the only team in the Premier League with injuries.”

Klopp looks set to make changes to the team that played on Wednesday. With midfield rotation looking likely, Klopp could give a start to one of Oxlade-Chamberlain or the fit again Naby Keita. ‘The Ox’ has impressed recently in brief cameos and is probably the more deserving of a starting spot out of the two.

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks poised to return to the first XI. The fullback was rested against Napoli, and he will look to continue his fine early season form with Joe Gomez returning to the bench.

Joel Matip is still sidelined, meaning Dejan Lovren will continue as deputy in the Cameroonian’s absence.

Liverpool Predicted Line Up: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Lovren; Van Dijk; Robertson; Wijnaldum; Henderson; Chamberlain; Salah; Firmino; Mane

Brighton:

Brighton have been impressive this season to say the least. Graham Potter has the Seagulls playing an exciting style of football that has seen him rewarded with a new contract keeping him at Albion until 2025.

Klopp has warned that despite the 22-point gap between the teams, Brighton are still a tough test. He said: “We play Brighton with a very exciting development to see how they play, the possession they have. They play proper football.

“They had a full week to prepare so they will come here and try to get the points, I am 100% sure, and we have to be ready.

“They not only brave and play good football, but they are well organised as well”

Potter’s side have caused lots of teams problems this season. Already beating Tottenham and Man United, the Seagulls will see the Reds as another potential scalp they want to claim.

Possible Brighton XI: Ryan, Montoya, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Gross, Propper, Stephens, Mooy, Connolly, Maupay

Liverpool vs Brighton kicks off 3pm Saturday 30^th November.

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(Featured image credits – Robert Cutts licensed by Creative Commons)