Brighton vs Liverpool Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Both teams to score
The Amex Stadium is set for a thrilling encounter as Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool face off in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday night.
This match is the first in a back-to-back series, with the two teams scheduled to meet again in the Premier League shortly after.
Liverpool, the defending EFL Cup champions, aim to continue their successful campaign, while Brighton looks to overturn recent misfortunes at this tournament stage. Here’s a detailed look at the stakes, team news, and likely outcomes in this midweek clash.
Recent Performances and EFL Cup History
Liverpool’s Commanding Cup Defence
Liverpool began their EFL Cup defence with a resounding 5-1 victory over West Ham United in the third round, a performance that mirrored their previous quarter-final demolition of the Hammers en route to last season’s trophy.
Under manager Arne Slot, the Reds have shown formidable consistency in cup competitions, with their unbeaten EFL Cup streak dating back to December 2022.
Slot’s side has won eight consecutive games across all competitions, with their only blemish in recent form being a 2-2 Premier League draw against Arsenal, where they twice came from behind.
While Liverpool narrowly surrendered their top spot in the Premier League to Manchester City, Slot’s team has earned a reputation as away-day specialists. The Reds will aim to break a recent fourth-round pattern, which has seen them alternate between exiting and winning the EFL Cup each season.
Brighton’s Highs and Lows in Cup Competitions
Brighton reached the fourth round after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in September.
In the league, however, the Seagulls were left stunned by a 2-2 draw against Wolves last weekend, where a last-minute goal denied them victory.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler will hope his team can recover quickly from that setback as they prepare for another challenging test against top-tier opposition.
Despite Brighton’s impressive recent form at the Amex Stadium, the Seagulls have struggled to break past the EFL Cup fourth round, falling at this hurdle in each of their last five appearances. Historically, Brighton’s last successful campaign beyond this stage was in the 1978-79 season, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Nonetheless, their strong record at home against Liverpool – including a notable FA Cup victory last season – should provide some encouragement for Hurzeler’s men.
Head-to-Head Record
The Seagulls have proven tough to beat on home turf, having avoided defeat in each of their last three home meetings with Liverpool.
Their most recent encounter at Anfield in March 2024 ended in a 2-1 win for Liverpool, but Brighton will hope to repeat their January 2023 FA Cup success, where they claimed a 2-1 victory at the Amex.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton faces a mixed bag in terms of injuries and recoveries. Danny Welbeck made a surprising return to action against Wolves just a week after a back injury scare, and his availability for Wednesday’s match will be crucial as options are limited up front.
Leeds United loanee Georginio Rutter is cup-tied, while Joao Pedro (ankle), Solly March (knee), Yankuba Minteh (muscle), Matt O’Riley (ankle), Adam Webster (thigh), and former Liverpool player James Milner (thigh) are all sidelined.
Additionally, long-serving captain Lewis Dunk’s calf issue and Jack Hinshelwood’s minor knock leave both players doubtful for the game.
Brighton Predicted Starting XI:
Steele; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Adingra, Baleba, Wieffer, Mitoma; Enciso, Ferguson
Liverpool
Liverpool’s injury list includes Harvey Elliott (foot), Alisson Becker (hamstring), and Diogo Jota (abdominal), who are all expected to miss out, while Federico Chiesa (fitness) and Conor Bradley (unspecified) are considered doubtful.
Bradley and Chiesa’s absence may see Joe Gomez step in as a potential right-back, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold a break. Wataru Endo and Jarell Quansah are likely to feature in the starting lineup, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo could provide fresh attacking options.
Liverpool Predicted Starting XI:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez
Key Players to Watch
Danny Welbeck (Brighton): If he’s fit to start, Welbeck’s experience and presence up front will be essential for Brighton as they attempt to break Liverpool’s defensive lines. His finishing touch and link-up play could be decisive in a game where goals may be at a premium.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): With his agility, ball control, and eye for goal, Szoboszlai will look to orchestrate Liverpool’s attacks, particularly if the game becomes an open contest. His partnership with Gakpo and Nunez could spell trouble for a Brighton defence weakened by injuries.
Match Prediction
With Liverpool’s attacking depth and Brighton’s home advantage, this clash promises to be tightly contested. Brighton’s impressive goal-scoring record at home will keep Liverpool on their toes, while Slot’s well-drilled side will look to capitalise on Brighton’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Although Brighton’s recent record against Liverpool at the Amex could play a role, the Reds’ away form and their penchant for cup competitions may just give them the edge.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Liverpool
Expect Brighton to put up a valiant fight, but Liverpool’s resilience and experience in knockout situations should ultimately carry them through to the EFL Cup quarter-finals.