England Round 30

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Liverpool vs Brighton Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Brighton:
Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk; Estupinan, Gross, Gilmour, Adingra; Buonanotte, Fati; Welbeck,

Liverpool are second in the Premier League table and level on points with leaders Arsenal, who have a superior goal difference. Manchester City are one point behind in third, with the Gunners due to travel to the Etihad Stadium to face the Citizens just a couple of hours later. So, this match is a chance for Jurgen Klopp and his players to climb on the top of the table again. They were leaders for much of 2024, but Arsenal took advantage from Liverpool's draw with Manchester City before the international break. The full Anfield will push the players, but it won't be easy. Brighton are not desirable opponents. On contrary, the Seagulls have become something of a bogey team for the Reds in the last period. In fact, Liverpool have won just one of the last eight mutual games. The Merseysiders already dropped two points in the reverse fixture this season, with Mohamed Salah's brace only enough for a 2:2 draw at the Amex Stadium. To be worse, Klopp has received bad news from Scotland as left-back Andy Robertson was withdrawn during their defeat to Northern Ireland. Reds defender started the game but played just 37 minutes before being substituted. He suffered what appeared to be a potential ankle injury following a tackle from Trai Hume of Northern Ireland. Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Ben Doak were all unavailable before the international break. Konate featured for France over the break, though, meaning he could be available to return for this match.

Brighton sit in the middle of the table with 42 points. The upcoming two or three rounds will determine their ambitions. At the moment they are five points away from the sixth-placed Manchester United. The actual form is mixed, one win, one draw and one defeat on the last three matches in the Premier League. The Seagulls lost 3:0 to Fulham at Craven Cottage, drew with Everton and narrowly beat Nottingham. An own-goal of Omobamidele in the 29th minute decided the winners. In the meantime Brighton suffered a painful elimination from Europe League. They lost 4:0 to Roma in the first match played at Stadio Olimpico, so the narrow 1:0 win in the reverse fixture wasn't enough for progress. Manager Roberto de Zerbi feels some pressure, though his job is safe. The Italian tactician is yet to taste defeat against Liverpool as Brighton manager after four matches, winning two and drawing the remaining two. He has five injury worries ahead of this match. Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March and Jack Hinshelwood are definitely sidelined, while Joao Pedro and the former Reds James Milner are rated as doubtful.

Liverpool vs Brighton Prediction:

According to thee bookies, Liverpool are clear favorites in this match. However, it won't be easy against the motivated Seagulls . If some team know how to produce problems to Liverpool, that's Brighton. In fact, Liverpool have failed to win any of their last four encounters with Brighton, while only claiming victory in one of the last eight mutual games across all competitions. Considering the efficient nature of this fixture in the past, this one is also likely to produce goals. I believe Brighton are able to score at Anfield, so I expect goals on both sides.

Liverpool vs Brighton Prediction: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.58 with Pinnacle

 

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Manchester City vs Arsenal Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester City:
Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Bernardo Silva, Alvarez, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland

Arsenal:
Raya; White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Manchester City are in good form, they have only dropped four points in their last 11 games, winning nine of them. They drew only with Liverpool at Anfield (which is not a bad result) and Chelsea at home. The Citizens sit one point behind Arsenal but will presumably fancy their chances of ending Sunday two points ahead considering their excellent recent record against the Gunners. The Citizens have won 12 of their last 13 Premier League games against Arsenal, though it must be remembered that the one exception was their 1:0 defeat at the Emirates in the reverse fixture this season. But now Manchester City have the home advantage and this fact should not be underestimated. City will come into this clash unbeaten in their last 38 home games across all competitions winning 33 of them. The last team to leave with a win was Brentford in November 2022 when they won 2:1. It is City’s second-longest run without defeat at home in their history. But Guardiola has some injury worries ahead of the derby. First-choice goalkeeper Ederson remains a concern after the injury sustained against Liverpool, while Kevin De Bruyne is struggling with a groin issue. Four additional players - Kyle Walker, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes - have all picked up knocks while away on international duties with their respective nations. They are all rated as doubtful and the medical team will have the last word.

Arsenal are in excellent form, having won their last eight league games in a row. Arteta's men have scored 33 goals and concede just four in the process. They sit on the top of the table, level on points with Liverpool, but with superior goal-difference. With this game being at the Etihad, though, Arsenal have a "mission impossible". The Gunners have lost each of the last seven Premier League away games at Man City. Arsenal last had a longer losing run on the road in the league against Leeds United, losing eight in a row between 1958 and 1968. However, I am sure Arteta and his players will not give up easily. After all, they are the team with best form in the Premier League, and City will surely need to be at their highest level to take all three points. Arteta also has some injury worries. Jurrien Timber is confirmed absentee, but that's not a big problem. What is concerning Arteta is the situation with his two key attackers. Bukayo Saka did not play for England due to a hamstring issue, while Gabriel Martinelli also missed out during the international break because of a foot injury. However, the club doctors are optimists and they should be ready in-time for this match.

Manchester City vs Arsenal Prediction:

Manchester City and Arsenal will play the derby of the season at Etihad. According to me, the winners will probably become the new champions. With all respect to Liverpool, this is a crucial match, the derby of the season. Arsenal are in great form, they have won the last eight Premier league games in a row. The Gunners will try to continue the series, but it won't be simple. Manchester City are obviously the toughest opponents. They are the reigning English and European champions. According to me, they are the best team in Europe lead by the best coach - Pep Guardiola. I expect to win.

Manchester City vs Arsenal Pick: Manchester City to win @ 1.90 with Everygame