NEW Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi faces a baptism of fire with a visit to Anfield to face Liverpool, but the hosts have hardly been enjoying a vintage season.
Brighton currently sit four places and four points above their celebrated rivals on Saturday and that's exactly why Graham Potter was prised from his comfy role at the Seagulls to be lured to Chelsea. He had done a terrific job at Brighton.
In his place has come the Italian boss and the highly-rated coach worked wonders with Sassuolo in Serie A before leading Shakhtar Donetsk in the most testing of circumstances. He's certainly inherited an impressive platform to build things on.
For whatever reason, Liverpool have failed entirely to get going this season, except for a 9-0 annihilation of Bournemouth. But they did at least show some fleeting glimpses of their old selves in their most-recent game – a 2-1 Champions League win against Ajax.
In their favour, Mo Salah returned earlier than expected from international duty and Trent Alexander-Arnold should be rested. He seems as likely to play for England these days as Jurgen Klopp.
How the bookies view it
Liverpool are always going to be favourites here despite form and table position., They are 1/3 with BetVictor.
Brighton can be backed at 8/1 with bet365 and the draw is 4/1 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
Brighton are unbeaten on their last two visits to Anfield and gained a 2-2 draw on Merseyside last term. Liverpool won on the south coast 2-0.
Players to watch
Diogo Jota marked a 20-game drought with a goal for Portugal this week and that was his first goal since April. He will be hoping to add to that after getting off the mark for the season and he is 13/10 to score with UniBet.
Brighton's Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has four goals from six appearances for the Seagulls this season and takes their penalties. He is a 13/2 shout with William Hill to add to it.
Anything else catch the eye?
Liverpool's general price of around 1/3 is surely based on reputation rather than the cold, hard evidence of this season and Brighton have been seriously disrespected here.
They have only lost once in the league this season and won four out of six games including at Manchester United, who defeated Liverpool.
Assuming their new boss doesn't mix it up too much, they are crying out to be backed on the double chance of a win or a draw at 23/10 with UniBet.
Brighton have only failed to score once this season in seven games, while Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets in nine games.
And the 10/11 on offer from bet365 for the visitors to score before the 79th minute has to be taken on.
This English Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion will be played on Oct 1, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Liverpool vs Brighton and Hove Albion prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
True brighton was the first to score” thanks”