Liverpool’s hectic schedule continues as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield. The Reds will look to put their lacklustre performance against Napoli behind them, in which they lost the important Fabinho to injury. They face a Brighton side who have lost their last two games.
Liverpool Looking for an Improved Performance Despite Fabinho Injury
Fabinho Injury Knocked Liverpool out of Their Stride
It was a very sloppy, lacklustre display on a frustrating night at Anfield in the week. Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with the Napoli goal and his side’s slow recovery. Napoli were excellent throughout the game with a resolute defensive performance. Kostas Manolas and Kalidou Koulibaly were outstanding and stifled any attack from Liverpool’s front three.
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were extremely quiet and left frustrated while Mohamed Salah was far from his peak sharpness. The Egyptian struggled to get into the game and found the Napoli backline a tough opposition.
Liverpool’s lacklustre display was all to see and certainly, the injury to Fabinho further highlighted a tough night. It saw Liverpool’s rhythm severely disrupted and ultimately, the Reds never found their optimum levels of performance. Klopp will demand a much better performance when Brighton visit Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool’s Defensive Woes Continue
Despite their amazing form this season, clean sheets are alluding Klopp and his team. The Reds are conceding sloppy goals making their games more difficult. Liverpool have gone 11 games in all competitions without a clean sheet, their worst run since 1998.
While Virgil van Dijk and whomever he has partnered have been good, Liverpool’s high full-backs are being caught out. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been outstanding offensively, but Liverpool have been regularly exploited in the wide areas when defending. It is a tough conundrum for Klopp to sort because he heavily relies on his full-backs to provide the width and put crosses in the box. However, Liverpool are countered by many of their opponents and it’s usually down the flanks.
It’s a case of being between a rock and a hard place for Klopp. His frustration about a lack of clean sheets is clear, but he will not change his style, and why mess with a formula that is winning them games consistently? However, their defensive issues will catch up with them if they are not careful. A clean sheet against Brighton could be the morale boost Liverpool’s backline needs.
Another Case of Attack v Defence Game for Liverpool
Brighton will head to Anfield hoping to spring a surprise on the league leaders. The Seagulls have struggled on their travels winning just once and Liverpool will fancy extending their unbeaten league season. Liverpool are hunting a fifth straight league win and maintenance of their eight-point lead.
Brighton will play on the counter so Liverpool will dominate the ball and must create more chances than they did against Napoli. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could the man to step up in midfield. With Fabinho injured, Oxlade-Chamberlain could fill the void in midfield. His eye for goal and ability to beat people could be vital to breaking down Brighton’s stubborn backline. Liverpool’s front three will face another tough defence but must exercise patience as chances will come for them.
Jurgen Klopp made changes against Napoli but will return to his usual league setup. Trent Alexander-Arnold will come back in a right-back, while Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez will battle to partner Virgil van Dijk.
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