PL Preview: Brighton v Liverpool

Brighton v Liverpool.. Sunday 08 October.. 14:00 BST

We Go Again.. Once more we sit down to set out the match preview. Once more you think what's the point. When asked every season since Klopps arrival 'Do you think we will win the league?'.. The answer has always been. That depends on the referees. Apart from last season of course.. 

The squad has always been elite. We score plenty of goals and defend fairly well on average. Last week at Spurs it took a last minute own goal for them to beat us and we had 9 men. No one talks of the red cards as all the focus has been on that offside. The whole refereeing display was shambolic if we are being totally honest.

Contrary to opposing fans beliefs we do have decisions go our way although I can't think of any off the top of my head. I think West Ham might have a few complaints at Anfield over the years. The bottom line is we will stand up and say it. Why wouldn't you.. Swing and roundabouts we hear..

Not in this day and age. VAR should be shelved most definitely. Video replays to get the right decision shouldn't.. VAR - Video Assistant Referees and they're not clear and obvious BS always has left them open to any decision they want to deliver. It's simple isn't it. Is it a goal.. Is it offside.. Is it a corner.. Is it a red card.. Was it a dive.. Was it a foul..

It is also very simple to make the right decision and redefine the rules to suit the modern game and while we are at it.. Why not implement them. Don't bring them in use them for two games then bin them off. Just do your jobs and make the right decisions. If not sack them. Don't shuffle them around until you think we forget.

So next up Brighton. We can most certainly look at the game from a football perspective as these are two very good sides coming head to head. Let's hope we can talk about the skill of the players rather than the new superstars of the game the referees.

Don't forget Spurs scored a great goal last week no-one has talked about and Diaz finish for that offside goal was world class. We tune in to watch the worlds best footballers. For how long that continues is questionable as other leagues offer more money. Add good officiating to the mix and you can see why players will leave the Prem in their droves.

One thing for sure is Liverpool will carry on playing the right way. We will carry on applauding great players and great goals on The Kop from opposing teams as well as clapping the other teams goalkeeper as he runs up to take his place in that Kop Goal for his 45 minute plus stint.. Its what we do..

Quick Stat Check.. Liverpool have won 5 & Lost 1 of their last six Prem games.. Brighton have Won 4 & Lost 2 scoring 15 and conceding 13. Liverpool won their midweek European game while Brighton came from behind to draw.

Liverpool Team News

Curtis Jones & Jota are suspended for this one.. While Cody Gakpo misses out due to a knee injury. He is walking on it which sounds cool and could be back after the international break. Kelleher is out with a gash to his knee which required stitches so shouldn't be out too long all being well. Bajcetic has a minor calf strain while Thiago still has injury problems and has no return date.

Liverpool Line Up

Ali, Trent, Matip, Virg, Robbo, AMac, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Diaz, Mo, Nunez

Brighton Team News..

The Seagulls are expected to be without Espinola, Estupinan, Milner, Lallana, Dunk & Moder. Although Dunk, Milner & Lallana could face late fitness tests

Brighton Dangerman..

Pascal Gross.. Not one you would expect but his play goes un-noticed at times. Mitoma & March are dangerous given an opportunity but Gross adds assists and goals. He is on most set pieces too so one to keep an eye on.

The Game

Finally we get to talk football. After last seasons heroics Brighton are finally realising what it means to juggle Prem & European football. It's not easy and injuries and form are early struggles for the South Coast outfit. Losing 6-1 at Villa last time out would never have happened last season as their only real focus was on the Prem.

They were really good to watch and put us to the sword at the AMEX Stadium. You feel things might (referees aside) be a little different this time around. We had a home game mid week while Brighton travelled to France for a tough test against Marseille. Which they put in a shift to get a draw.

In contrast our home win against Union SG was a stroll. A few players got minutes who will start Sunday but they hardly broke a sweat. Keeping them sharp. Gaining minutes and raising fitness levels rather than burning them. Winning with class rather than full on energy..

Villa cut through that Brighton defence with ease and their midfield was non existent. Losing Caicedo & Mac Allister in the summer has proved costly to Brighton and in the case of Mac Allister has made us stronger. The injury problems they face too spin the odds well in our favour.

Gakpo, Jota & Jones will be easily replaced in our line up and the midfield that was over run in this fixture last season has been rebuilt in spectacular fashion. We will be chomping at the bit after last weeks debacle and Brighton may well feel the backlash. 

PREDICTION.. 3-0 To Them Mighty Reds..

Liverpools strength in all areas should prove way too much for Brighton. The midfield battle should be won early by ourselves and the strikers will be hungry to hit them early. This won't be a walk in the park but our quality and fitness levels should shine through.

Once again pressing and probing through midfield and out wide. Cutting through the Brighton lines as they press forward and leave spaces in behind. Plenty of chances for the forwards we just need to show the class and composure to finish them.

As much as losing their midfielders goal keeper Sanchez is also a huge miss and his replacement Steele has not quite settled yet. He faces a busy afternoon. Mo, Diaz & Nunez will keep him really busy

OurLFC Dangerman..Trent AA..

The return of Trent is huge for the reds. In a game like this he will be pulling all the strings in his new inverted and free to roam role. With free kicks and corners too we will see the full repertoire of Trents talents. A goal..? Quite possibly.. If it opens up or we get a free kick on the edge of the box expect it to be dispatched. 

Come On You Mighty Reds..

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