Last year I was lucky enough to have hospitality when Liverpool visited the Amex, enjoying free food and drink on top of the football feast that Liverpool served up. Having spent 9 years living in Brighton, and the next 13 still in Sussex, I have long had a soft spot for them. Way back in 1996 when I first arrived there, I went with my then girlfriend to a match at the old Goldstone Ground, Brighton may have been in the fourth tier at that point.
I’ve followed their travails ever since, supported their protests during the darker years without a ground, and it is only since the Amex was built that I allowed myself to visit the Goldstone retail park which now stands where the ground once was. I have many friends who are fans and season ticket holders. So when Liverpool play Brighton I’m pleased for them, and pleased for their success story which should be motivational for all football fans suffering from poor management of their club. Turning things around via a wise investor who put in place all of the foundations to build to success in the right way, not throwing money at it and hoping enough sticks to buy success.
Look at the last c.10 years, a new stadium which always gets good attendances, guaranteeing a steady income. A behind the scenes management structure which allows everyone to focus on their responsibilities and do a good job of it. The training ground came next, allowing the players to prepare for matches and develop at a first-class facility. Then finally the right appointment in manager Chris Hughton, who had previously done well with Norwich, eventually quite comfortably keeping them in the top flight before parting company the following season, and importantly Newcastle, who he took up from the Championship into the Premier League before being sacked by the ever-popular Mike Ashley.
Brighton come to Anfield off the back of an almost comfortable victory against Man Utd. Although the score ended 3-2, Brighton looked good and were 2-0 up and then 3-2 up. Organised and making the most of their chances, they handled a utd team who reflected their manager at the moment, dour and lacking ideas.
Liverpool at Anfield will be quite a different proposition for them though. Having had an easy win vs West Ham, an away trip to Crystal Palace under the flood lights was a potentially tricky away tie that saw a win for LFC by two goals to nil. Liverpool stood up to the battle when it got a bit gnarly, and didn’t wilt under the pressure of the challenge. Mane plugged away, winning his battles and being Liverpool’s main threat, while the right side of our defence saw a 19 year old full back alongside a 21 year old playing centre back for only the second time. Perhaps playing alongside the majestic Van Dijk makes everyone look good?
The front three haven’t quite clicked this year yet, but the midfield has now got a selection of players who can come in. Milner did himself proud with his energy and battling display, tucking away a penalty and eventually being replaced by Henderson, who hasn’t quite worked his way back into the starting line up yet. Although Palace thought the penalty decision against Salah was soft, and the sending off harsh, both were the right decision, and against 10 men Liverpool looked a lot more comfortable. Alisson Becker made a couple of good saves but his distribution is what stood out, and being able to play and pick out a decent pass will probably earn Liverpool half a dozen goals from that approach this year.
As expected, Naby Keita also showed more of his talent, at one point dispossessing a Palace player deep in his own half, moving up the pitch with the ball before playing a 60+ yard pass perfectly for Salah, who couldn’t make the most of the opportunity.
The question this week will be who Klopp starts with in midfield, will we see Henderson come in for Milner, will Keita play again or will we see Lallana on the pitch? Will Shaqiri get a run out or will Sturridge give one of the front three a break? I expect Klopp to start with the same front three, keep Wijnaldum and Keita and see Milner have a rest on the bench in favour of Henderson. I don’t expect the defence to change.
So having overcome a tricky away tie ironically enough against Brighton’s most hated opponents, Liverpool at home should have too much for Brighton (fresh from a victory against Liverpool's most hated opponents). Having seen City draw the lunch time game I would expect Klopp to send out a team ready to make the most of that slip up and steal a march on the hot title favourites.
