Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 30.
Team analysis - Brighton & Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton have scored eight goals in their last three Premier League meetings with Liverpool, so a trip to Anfield to face the title challengers will hold no fear for them.
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The Seagulls caused Jurgen Klopp’s side a host of problems in October's 2-2 draw on the south coast, which followed last season's comprehensive 3-0 home win over the Reds.
On their last visit to Merseyside, at the start of their head coach's reign in October 2022, they were also good value for a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Liverpool have had difficulties in those encounters coping with Brighton’s energetic pressing and confidence in possession, so they will view the visitors as dangerous opponents.
Fearsome foes
Across the three meetings since the start of last season, Brighton have created 13 big chances, coming out on top in that category in each of the games.
They fashioned six big chances on their last visit to Anfield, a record for them away from home.
Notably, when you look at the other sides who have created multiple clear-cut chances against Liverpool, the bulk are teams who are effective at breaking up play.
Liverpool matches since start of 2022/23
| Opp. | Matches | Liverpool big chances | Big chances faced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 4 | 6 | 14 | -8 |
| Spurs | 3 | 7 | 11 | -4 |
| Arsenal | 4 | 10 | 13 | -3 |
| Brighton | 3 | 10 | 13 | -3 |
| C Palace | 3 | 7 | 10 | -3 |
Liverpool are statistically the best pressing team in the league, with opponents averaging just 8.9 passes per defensive action (PPDA).
Interestingly, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Brighton are also ranked among the best five sides in this field – and all of those teams have consistently given Klopp’s defence problems.
Stylistically it appears the Merseysiders have a fragility against rivals who are brave enough to close them down aggressively.
Best for passes per defensive action 23/24
| Club | PPDA |
|---|---|
| Liverpool | 8.9 |
| Spurs | 9.1 |
| Arsenal | 10.1 |
| Chelsea | 10.5 |
| Brighton | 10.5 |
How Brighton press
Under De Zerbi, Brighton will leave the opponent who is on the ball spare and go man-to-man elsewhere.
This ploy denied Liverpool defenders a straightforward pass out from the back when they last met, and it sparked a number of turnovers.
Winger Simon Adingra scored from one of those situations, intercepting a loose Virgil van Dijk pass before running on to surprise Alisson with an early shot.
Simon was SHARP to intercept the pass and then produced a fantastic finish! 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/r51x9Z4UVk
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 8, 2023
Last season Solly March won a penalty, which was overturned for offside, after racing through from a similar transition created by an excellent Brighton press.
Later in the same contest March scored on the back of another superb interception. Liverpool tried to play a straight pass into midfield, and after it was cut out they were punished.
Solly's two strikes! 🔥 @BrightonTools 📺 pic.twitter.com/rhbORXGGW8
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 14, 2023
Both teams will take risks by playing out short from their goalkeepers, and in recent meetings they have each given up a host of chances to one another by losing the ball in bad areas.
De Zerbi’s side will certainly continue with their policy on Merseyside, so the hosts must be precise and sharp with their distribution.
Brighton made 133 pressures inside the middle third against Liverpool in October, compared to 104 from Klopp’s men, so the title chasers will know exactly what to expect.
Switching play quickly
Brighton’s wingers have caused many headaches for Liverpool since De Zerbi took charge.
Klopp’s 4-3-3 system can be narrow at times, and because the Reds like to crowd space on the side where the ball is, they can be vulnerable to quick switches of play.
Brighton have made the most of that, keeping the ball well and asking their wide men to stretch play.
Right-wingers Adingra and March tormented Andrew Robertson in the last two encounters, with Brighton exposing Liverpool’s narrow structure.
As shown in the image below, an early switch from a throw-in on the left side gave Adingra the chance to run on to force a terrific save from Alisson.
In Brighton's 3-0 home win last season, they moved from left to right smoothly, freeing up March in acres of space. He too was denied by a fine Alisson stop.
If Liverpool’s wide forwards do not track back this Sunday, the visitors could create more situations like this.
Can De Zerbi stay unbeaten?
Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City this Sunday will understandably draw a lot of attention, but Liverpool v Brighton is another huge game in the title race.
Klopp’s men will deservedly start as favourites, but their opponents have the potential to make it a challenging afternoon.
They have the confidence to bypass Liverpool’s press with quality passing and are bright enough without the ball to steal turnovers.
If the Reds are to beat Brighton for the first time since De Zerbi arrived in English football, they will need to play well.