After almost a month of waiting, Liverpool finally take to the field in a Premier League game on Saturday.
Brighton are the visitors to Anfield in what really is a must win game for Liverpool.
They got the monkey off their back a little with a late 2-1 win over Ajax last time out. It’s vital that they take that momentum with them as they play host to Roberto De Zerbi’s Premier League managerial debut.
Here’s how we think Jurgen Klopp will line his team up against the Seagulls.
Defence
In a season littered with poor performances so far, Alisson Becker has been a rare shining light. The Brazilian is fresh from two matches with Brazil and will be straight back into action at Anfield.
In-front of Alisson will be the much-maligned Trent Alexander-Arnold. Perhaps the most talked about footballer in the country this week, all eyes will be on him at the weekend.
Alongside Trent on the right should be Joel Matip. Matip was the match-winner against Ajax and showed why he will continue to start for now, despite Ibrahima Konate’s return. Virgil Van Dijk will no doubt be his partner for this one.
In an unchanged back four, Kostas Tsimikas will continue at left-back.
Midfield
Liverpool are starting to get some options back in midfield after a torrid time with injuries. Despite that though, we think Klopp will go with the same trio that started against Ajax.
That means another start for Thiago Alcantara, who was outstanding against the Dutch Champions.
Fabinho will go again as usual, while Harvey Elliott is perhaps fortunate to get the nod again. With Jordan Henderson back and Arthur Melo pushing hard to get match-fit, Elliott has sudden competition for his slot. But we think Klopp will resist the urge to start either here.
Attack
In something of a rare move, we’re plumping for Klopp to put his Liverpool side out unchanged against Brighton.
Unfortunately, that would mean Darwin Nunez missing out again. But given the form of Diogo Jota for Portugal, the 25-year-old would seem like the favourite to start.
Either side of him will surely be Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. Salah scored last time out and is coming off the back of an extended rest this week. Diaz meanwhile has probably been Liverpool’s best player this season.
Nothing but three points will do. That team looks good enough to go and get them. Let’s go, Reds.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Brighton: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Elliott, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Diaz
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