Brighton welcome Liverpool to the Amex on Saturday afternoon in an intriguing looking game between two teams who play very different styles of football. Brighton like to keep things tight at the back and have conceded just 14 goals in 14 games this season, whereas Liverpool play a fast, expansive, attacking style of football which has seen them score 28 times, but concede 18 times already this season. It will be interesting to see whether these two styles cancel each other out on Saturday or whether one will prevail.
English Premier League – AMEX Stadium – Saturday 2nd December 2017 – 15:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 18/5 at Unibet |
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Brighton
LiverpoolBrighton & Hove Albion
Brighton come into this game without a win in three and manager Chris Hughton will be growing slightly concerned with his team’s inability to turn draws into victories of late. They picked up another draw in midweek, holding bottom side Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw in a game low on quality and entertainment. Hughton has an almost fully fit squad to choose from, with Steve Sidwell the only first teamer who remains side-lined.
Liverpool
Liverpool picked up a 3-0 win against Stoke City in the week in a game full of action and talking points. Liverpool goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, was very fortunate not to have been sent off in the first half when the game was delicately poised at 1-0 and Stoke City manager, Mark Hughes, was furious with the decision. Star man, Mohamed Salah, came off the bench in the second half to wrap up all three points for Jurgen Klopp with two well taken goals. Mohamed Salah and Philipe Coutinho both started Wednesday’s game on the bench, but you would expect both to return to the starting line up at The Amex on Saturday.
Talking Points
- Mohamed Salah now has 17 goals in 21 games this season and is the leading scorer in the Premier League with 12 strikes in 14 matches.
- Brighton have not lost at home since August and that defeat remains their only loss at The Amex Stadium.
- Liverpool have scored 15 and conceded 16 goals away from home, showing their defensive frailties on the road.
Prediction
This is the sort of game in which Liverpool have struggled over the past couple of seasons. You would expect Brighton to park the bus on Saturday and hope to grab something on the break or from a set piece and that is where Liverpool have failed to break sides like Burnley, Swansea and Bournemouth down over the past few seasons. I think Brighton could well get a draw out of this game and if they can nullify Salah, Coutinho and Mane, then they have a great chance here.
Betting Tips
Liverpool start this game as favourites at odds of 1/2, whilst a home win for Brighton is priced up at 13/2 with the draw available at 18/5. I really don’t fancy Liverpool at those odds and I think a solid bet could be on the Double Chance of Brighton or Draw at 9/5. They have been solid at home, losing just once and if they can frustrate Liverpool then they have a great chance to get something out of the game.
Double Chance – Brighton or Draw – 9/5 (Ladbrokes)