Arne Slot’s squad will face a tough opponent in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Time & Venue
- Time: 19:30 GMT, October 30
- Venue: Falmer Stadium
Form
Historically, Liverpool holds an edge, having remained unbeaten in the EFL Cup since December 2022.
However, Liverpool’s away winning streak under Arne Slot recently ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. Liverpool came from behind twice to secure a valuable point.
Despite not defeating Arsenal, Liverpool sits just one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League. Now, they shift focus to the EFL Cup, hoping to overcome their usual fourth-round exit.
Their upcoming opponent, Brighton, had a disappointing 2-2 draw with Wolves. Though Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson gave Brighton the lead, they allowed Wolves to equalize through Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha in the final minutes.
In the EFL Cup, Brighton has consistently exited in the fourth round for five seasons and last reached the quarterfinals in 1978-79. However, they have an advantage at Falmer Stadium, where they have not lost to Liverpool in their past three meetings, including a 2-1 FA Cup victory in January 2023.
Squads
Liverpool
Liverpool’s squad remains largely unchanged with Harvey Elliott (foot), Alisson Becker (hamstring), and Diogo Jota (abdominal) all sidelined. Federico Chiesa (fitness) and Conor Bradley (undisclosed) may also miss out.
Wataru Endo and Jarell Quansah may start, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo could lead the attack. Szoboszlai, who relinquished his main attacking midfield role to Curtis Jones against Arsenal, might return to that position.
Brighton
Fans were pleasantly surprised when Danny Welbeck returned against Wolves just a week after needing oxygen and a stretcher for a back injury against Newcastle.
Welbeck’s return is critical, with Georginio Rutter (on loan from Leeds) suspended for the EFL Cup and Joao Pedro out with an ankle injury. Other Brighton injuries include Solly March (knee), Matt O’Riley (ankle), Adam Webster (thigh), and former Liverpool player James Milner (thigh).
Yankuba Minteh and Jack Hinshelwood may return after missing the Wolves match, while captain Lewis Dunk, who suffered a calf injury during warm-ups, is still a doubt.
Projected Lineups
- Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez
- Brighton: Steele; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Adingra, Baleba, Wieffer, Mitoma; Enciso, Ferguson
Statistics
Brighton has averaged over 2.5 goals in their last five matches against Liverpool across all competitions.
Brighton has scored at least two goals in their last three home matches against Liverpool.
Goal & Concession Rates
Outlook
Coach Arne Slot noted that Arsenal benefited from an extra day’s rest after their Champions League match before facing Liverpool last weekend, and Brighton, enjoying strong form at home, will benefit similarly.
However, Liverpool under Slot has become a winning machine on the road and will likely aim to keep their impressive performance streak alive as they seek to defend their EFL Cup title.
Prediction (per Sportsmole): Brighton 1-2 Liverpool