England FA Cup - Round 4

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Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Brighton & Hove Albion:
Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gross; March, Mac Allister, Mitoma; Ferguson

Liverpool:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Konate, Robertson; Thiago, Bajcetic, Henderson; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Brighton & Hove Albion welcome holders Liverpool to the Amex Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Seagulls have eliminated Middlesbrough in the third round, winning 5:1. Alexis Mac Allister scored a brace, while Pascal Gross, Adam Lallana and Deniz Undav also found the back of the net. The overall form is also good, they have three victories and one draw on the last four matches across all competitions. That includes a memorable 3:0 win over Liverpool two weeks ago. Brighton completely outplayed the favorites and showed their power. Previously the two teams played at Anfield in October. It was an eventful match that produced six goals and finished with a 3:3 draw. Leandro Trossard was the key name on that match after scored all three goals for his team. But the Belgian international is no longer part of the squad as he joined Arsenal on long-term deal. New manager Roberto de Zerbi, who replaced Graham Potter four months ago, is doing a fantastic job and the fans are pleased. But the Italian coach has some injury worries ahead of this match. The former Reds Adam Lallana came off injured in the first half of Brighton's draw with Leicester last weekend. He will join Jakub Moder, Levi Colwill and Facundo Buonanotte on the sidelines. In Lallana's absence, Pascal Gross will likely move into a midfield role.

Liverpool have eliminated Wolverhampton in the previous stage of the competition. However, this is a poor season for Liverpool, they are far away from the top of the table. The actual form is not good, the Reds have just one win on the last five competitive matches. The manager Jurgen Klopp is under enormous pressure. He has an iconic status at Anfield, though the club officials could start thinking about new name. Last weekend Liverpool welcomed Chelsea in what was Klopp's 1,000th match as a manager, The Blues had an early Kai Havertz goal ruled out for offside and the derby finished with a goalless draw. The atmosphere in the squad is far from desired, while the players confidence remains low. Klopp has some additional issues as four important players remain sidelined. One of them is irreplaceable - central defender Virgil van Dijk. Furthermore, the absence of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino could be rated as big handicap. Fabio Carvalho is also out of the contest with an unspecified issue. Nat Phillips is rated as doubtful. Having on mind the fact Klopp desperately need a victory, it is unlikely to make too many changes. Right back Trent Alexander-Arnold and striker Darwin Nunez could play from the first minute after starting on the bench against Chelsea.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool Prediction:

This will be the third match between Brighton and Liverpool this season. The two teams played two efficient games so far. The clash at Anfield in October have produced six goals and finished with a 3:3 draw. Brighton won 3:0 at Amex two weeks ago. De Zerbi is well known for his offensive approach, so I expect another high scoring game. At least three goals should be scored.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Liverpool Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.65 with Pinnacle