Liverpool vs Brighton Match Preview | Premier League 2024/25

Fixture: Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Competition: Premier League
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2024
Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM GMT (10:00 AM ET)
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: TBC

Match Overview

Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in a crucial Premier League encounter that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons. The Reds are looking to steady the ship after a turbulent period that has seen them slip down the table, while the Seagulls arrive with European ambitions and the confidence of their recent away victory over Leeds United. This fixture promises tactical intrigue as Arne Slot’s possession-based approach meets Fabian Hurzeler’s progressive, attacking philosophy.

Current Form & League Standings

Liverpool (Home Team)

Liverpool currently sit in a concerning 10th position in the Premier League table with 8 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses from 14 matches, accumulating 27 points. The Reds have endured a difficult period, suffering nine defeats in their last 12 matches across all competitions before their recent three-game unbeaten run in the league. However, they remain just three points outside the top four, keeping Champions League qualification hopes alive.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):

Drew 3-3 with Leeds United (away)
Drew 1-1 with Sunderland (away)
Mixed results in previous fixtures
Currently on a three-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League

Home Record:
Liverpool’s home form has been inconsistent this season, with Anfield no longer the fortress it once was. However, they remain unbeaten in their last two Premier League home games against Brighton and have won 12 of 20 overall meetings between the sides.

Key Stats:

Liverpool have scored in 32 consecutive league games
They are on track to score in every away match this season (a potential club first)
Mohamed Salah continues to be their attacking talisman despite recent form dips

Brighton & Hove Albion (Away Team)

Brighton currently occupy 10th place in the Premier League standings with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses from 14 matches, earning 21 points. Under Fabian Hurzeler, the Seagulls have shown impressive attacking flair and are just three points adrift of the top four, maintaining realistic European aspirations.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):

Won 2-0 against Leeds United (away)
Drew 1-1 with West Ham (home)
Lost 4-3 to Aston Villa (home)
Won 3-2 against Liverpool (away) in May 2025
Strong recent performances despite inconsistency

Away Record:
Brighton have been formidable on their travels this season, with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses away from home. They are unbeaten in their last three home league games against Liverpool and won their last visit to Anfield 3-2 in May.

Key Stats:

There have been over 1.5 goals in 13 consecutive Brighton league games
Brighton are third in the league for corners awarded (80 this season)
They have scored 22 goals in the last 15 minutes of matches this season

Head-to-Head Record

Liverpool hold a significant historical advantage in this fixture, having won 12 of the 20 meetings between the two sides in recent history, compared to Brighton’s 4 victories. Four matches have ended in draws. Liverpool have scored 44 goals to Brighton’s 26 in these encounters.

Recent Meetings:

May 19, 2025: Brighton 3-2 Liverpool (Jack Hinshelwood winner)
November 2, 2024: Liverpool 2-1 Brighton (Gakpo, Salah goals)
March 31, 2024: Liverpool 2-1 Brighton
October 8, 2023: Brighton 2-2 Liverpool
January 14, 2023: Brighton 3-0 Liverpool

Key Stats:

Brighton won their most recent meeting 3-2 at the Amex Stadium in May
Liverpool have won their last two Premier League home games against Brighton
Both teams scored in each of the last five league encounters
Brighton are unbeaten in their last two visits to Anfield

Team News & Injuries

Liverpool

Confirmed Out:

Conor Bradley (suspension – fifth yellow card)
Giovanni Leoni (ACL injury – long-term)
Cody Gakpo (injury – out for a few weeks)
Hugo Ekitike (fitness concern)
Stefan Bajcetic (long-term injury)

Doubtful:

Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring – possible return)
Federico Chiesa (illness – may not travel)

Available:

Mohamed Salah
Dominik Szoboszlai
Alexis Mac Allister
Virgil van Dijk
Alisson Becker
Darwin Nunez
Luis Diaz
Harvey Elliott

Manager Concerns: Arne Slot has admitted finding it difficult to maintain motivation after a challenging period, and the intensity of training has been reduced to manage the squad’s mental state.

Brighton

Confirmed Out:

Stefanos Tzimas (knee injury – long-term)
Solly March (knee – estimated return early December)
James Milner (muscle – estimated return late December)
Kaoru Mitoma (ankle – estimated return late December)
Adam Webster (knee – estimated return early December)

Doubtful:

Yasin Ayari (knock)
Georginio Rutter (head injury)
Joel Veltman (50-50 chance per Hurzeler)
Jack Hinshelwood (40-60 chance per Hurzeler)
Ferdi Kadioglu (20-80 chance per Hurzeler)

Key Players Available:

Bart Verbruggen
Lewis Dunk
Danny Welbeck
Joao Pedro
Yankuba Minteh
Matt O’Riley
Simon Adingra

Tactical Analysis

Liverpool’s Approach

Arne Slot has implemented a possession-heavy system at Liverpool that emphasizes control and patient build-up play. However, the team has struggled defensively and with maintaining leads this season, conceding late goals and lacking the ruthless edge of previous campaigns.

Key Tactical Points:

High possession percentage (typically 60%+)
Quick transitions through midfield
Wide attacking threats from Salah and Diaz
Vulnerability to counter-attacks
Set-piece opportunities both offensively and defensively

Strengths:

Individual quality throughout the squad
Creative midfield with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai
Salah’s attacking threat
Strong recent home record against Brighton

Weaknesses:

Defensive fragility without Bradley suspended
Lack of consistency this season
Tendency to concede late goals
Mental and motivational challenges
Missing key attackers (Gakpo, Ekitike)

Brighton’s Approach

Fabian Hurzeler has brought an exciting, progressive style to Brighton that emphasizes attacking football, high pressing, and dynamic movement. The Seagulls are fearless in their approach and have troubled top teams with their tactical flexibility.

Key Tactical Points:

High defensive line and pressing intensity
Quick transitions and counter-attacks
Fluid attacking movement
Strong set-piece delivery
Comfortable playing out from the back

Strengths:

Attacking momentum and confidence
Recent success at Anfield (won 3-2 in May)
Excellent away form this season
Welbeck’s experience and goalscoring threat
Depth of attacking options

Weaknesses:

Defensive vulnerability (conceded 4 to Villa)
Multiple key injuries in defense
Can be inconsistent
Young squad with less experience in high-pressure situations
Tendency to concede late goals (22 goals in final 15 minutes suggest both scoring and conceding)

Key Battles

Mohamed Salah vs Brighton’s Left Side

Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar will be crucial to their attacking output despite recent form concerns. His ability to cut inside from the right and create chances will test Brighton’s defensive organization. Salah could make his 300th Premier League appearance in this match and needs just one goal contribution to equal the single-season record.

Danny Welbeck vs Liverpool’s Defense

The experienced striker has been involved in four goals in his last five Premier League appearances against Liverpool (two goals, two assists). His movement, hold-up play, and finishing will be key to Brighton’s attacking threat against a vulnerable Liverpool defense.

Midfield Control: Mac Allister vs His Former Club

Alexis Mac Allister faces his former club and will be motivated to impress. His ability to control tempo and dictate play from midfield will be crucial for Liverpool. Brighton’s midfield will look to press aggressively and disrupt his rhythm.

Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Brighton’s Left Wing

Following the recent controversy surrounding his future and being booed by fans, Alexander-Arnold’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. Expected to deputize for the suspended Conor Bradley, he’ll need to balance defensive duties with attacking contributions.

What The Managers Said

Arne Slot (Liverpool): “It’s quite difficult for a team that already won the league to train so many days in a row if you’ve already won something. So you need to find the balance between days off and preparing very well for the next game. Brighton are a good side with quality players and they’ve caused us problems before.”

Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton): “Liverpool are an outstanding team with world-class players. We know it’s a difficult place to go, but we’ve shown we can get results at the top grounds. Our focus is on our performance and implementing our game plan. We’re confident in what we can do.”

Statistical Insights

Liverpool Statistics:

Average 1.89 goals scored per match this season
86.67% of home matches have seen Over 1.5 goals
73.33% of home matches have seen Over 2.5 goals
Scored in 32 consecutive league games
Strong possession statistics (average 60%+ at home)

Brighton Statistics:

Average 2.10 goals scored per match this season
91.67% of away matches have seen Over 1.5 goals
50% of away matches have seen Over 2.5 goals
13 consecutive matches with Over 1.5 goals
Strong set-piece threat (third most corners in the league)

Betting Insights:

Both teams to score has occurred in each of the last five meetings
Over 2.5 goals is likely given recent history
Brighton have won one of their last four away games
Liverpool unbeaten in three Premier League games
Last five meetings averaged 3.5 goals per game

Where to Watch

United Kingdom:

Sky Sports Premier League
Sky Sports Main Event
Sky Go App
NOW TV

United States:

NBC Sports
Peacock Premium
USA Network

Nigeria:

DStv
SuperSport Premier League
StarTimes

Streaming:
Available via respective broadcaster apps and streaming platforms

Match Predictions & Betting Tips

Form Analysis

Liverpool’s recent struggles have been well-documented, with nine defeats in their last 12 matches across all competitions raising serious questions about their season. However, they’ve shown signs of improvement with a three-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and will be desperate to claim maximum points at Anfield to keep their top-four hopes alive.

Brighton’s attacking prowess and recent away form make them dangerous opponents. Their 3-2 victory at Anfield in May demonstrated they can succeed at this venue, and their confidence is high after beating Leeds. The Seagulls’ European aspirations provide strong motivation.

This fixture has historically been high-scoring and entertaining, with both teams finding the net regularly. Brighton’s fearless approach and Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest an open, attacking contest.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Brighton (4-2-3-1):
Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, O’Riley, Adingra; Welbeck

Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Brighton

Reasoning:
This fixture has “draw” written all over it based on recent history and current form. Both teams have defensive vulnerabilities and attacking quality, with each of the last five meetings seeing both teams score. Liverpool’s home advantage and individual quality give them an edge, but Brighton’s fearless approach and success at Anfield suggest they’ll cause problems.

Liverpool will likely take the lead through Salah or Nunez, but Brighton have shown resilience and quality to fight back, as demonstrated in their recent encounters. The Seagulls’ late-game scoring ability (22 goals in the final 15 minutes) could prove crucial. A 2-2 draw feels like a fair result that keeps both teams’ ambitions alive while reflecting their current inconsistencies.

Alternative Scorelines:

Liverpool 2-1 Brighton (30% probability)
Liverpool 1-2 Brighton (25% probability)
Liverpool 3-2 Brighton (20% probability)

Betting Tips

Recommended Bets:

Both Teams To Score (BTTS) – Best value at 8/15 (1.53) – occurred in last five meetings
Over 2.5 Goals – Good odds at around 4/5 (1.80) – high-scoring history
Draw – Value pick at 11/4 (3.75) given recent struggles
Over 7.5 Corners – Strong option at 1/10 (1.10) – Brighton third for corners awarded
Time of Last Goal (76th-90th minute) – Worth considering at 10/11 (1.91)

Anytime Goalscorer Picks:

Mohamed Salah – 6/5 (2.20)
Danny Welbeck – 13/5 (3.60)
Luis Diaz – 2/1 (3.00)

Longshot:

Brighton to win & BTTS – 11/2 (6.50)

Final Verdict

This match represents a pivotal moment for both teams’ seasons. Liverpool desperately need three points to maintain their top-four challenge and restore confidence after a difficult period. Brighton, meanwhile, have the opportunity to prove they belong in the European conversation by securing a positive result at one of English football’s most iconic venues.

The historical context heavily favors Liverpool at Anfield, but Brighton’s recent success at this ground and their current away form cannot be ignored. Liverpool’s quality should shine through in moments, particularly through Salah and their creative midfield, but their defensive fragility and the absence of Conor Bradley will be exploited by Brighton’s dynamic attack.

Both teams’ tendency to concede goals, combined with their attacking firepower, points toward an entertaining, open game with plenty of goalmouth action. Brighton’s fearlessness and tactical sophistication under Hurzeler make them formidable opponents who won’t sit back and defend.

The psychological factor cannot be discounted either. Liverpool are still searching for consistency and confidence, while Brighton are full of belief after their recent performances. The Seagulls’ late-game resilience has been impressive, scoring and conceding crucial goals in the final minutes of matches.

Expect an enthralling encounter with end-to-end action, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance. Liverpool’s home advantage and desperation for points will push them toward victory, but Brighton’s quality and recent form at Anfield suggest they’ll make this extremely competitive.

Final Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Brighton

A share of the spoils seems the most likely outcome, with both teams taking a point that keeps their respective ambitions alive while highlighting the work still needed to achieve their season objectives. Liverpool will be frustrated not to claim all three points at home, while Brighton will be satisfied with a creditable draw against a traditional top-six opponent.

Premier League

Liverpool vs Brighton Match Preview | Premier League 2024/25