Paul Merson says Liverpool will struggle without Virgil van Dijk vs Brighton

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Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has claimed Liverpool will struggle to beat Brighton and Hove Albion without centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

Taking to his Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal player has stated that goals can be guaranteed in the Reds’ fixture, as the Seagulls have been scoring for fun recently.

“The one thing you can be sure about with this game is goals,” Merson said.

“Arsenal blew Brighton out of the water last week, but Brighton have won their games by 4-1 and 5-1 margins since then. They’re scoring goals for fun.

“Liverpool still have a shot at the top four, but they’re eight points behind Newcastle at the moment. We haven’t played as many games as we usually play in the Premier League because of the World Cup, and we’ll know more about their top-four chances by the end of February.

“Liverpool won’t be the same without Virgil van Dijk in the side. He’s their Rolls Royce. This is a major game for Liverpool, and I don’t see Brighton losing this game. I’m going to go with a draw, and I’m being kind to Liverpool here.”

Merson predicts a draw for Liverpool vs Brighton

This is a huge game for Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp’s side lost their last Premier League match-up with Brentford 3-1.

The Reds currently sit sixth in the league table, despite their awful start to the season.

Having only conceded 22 goals thus far, this can be attributed to goalkeeper Alisson Becker, as without him, the side wouldn’t be included among the top-half of the table.

Although Brighton are currently eighth, they are just one point behind the Merseyside outfit. The Seagulls have played the same number of games as Liverpool, but seventh place Fulham have played one more.

This means a win for Roberto De Zerbi’s side would take them up to sixth – ahead of the Reds.

On the other hand, three points for Klopp’s men would see them close in on fifth place Tottenham, coming in just two points behind them.

Therefore, if Liverpool have any chance of making the top-four this term, this is a must-win game. However, it’s a big task, with the ‘magnificent’ Van Dijk absent at the back.