Liverpool v Brighton
Saturday 25 August, 17:30
Live on BT Sport 1
Saturday 25 August, 17:30
Live on BT Sport 1
Klopp's title protests will fall on deaf ears
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has a point that it's far too early to tip the Reds as Premier League title winners after just two games, but that won't stop the buzz from growing louder. Liverpool fans, starved of title success since 1990, are daring to dream. Although Manchester City have set the bar at a record high, there's a lot to like about the Liverpool squad.
In Alisson they have a solid goalkeeper who commands his area well. Defender Virgil van Dijk was positively Herculean in Monday's 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, Naby Keita had some jaw-dropping moments in midfield, and Sadio Mane has already banged in three goals in two games. The bench looks stronger than it has for years, thanks to some hefty investment over the summer, and Fabinho was left out entirely at Selhurst Park.
The Opta stats show that Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League matches at Anfield, and they have kept a clean sheet in the last six of those outings. They haven't conceded a Premier League goal at home since February.
Travel-sick Seagulls in need of solutions
Brighton's outstanding 3-2 victory against Manchester United last weekend underlined their remarkable progress under the amiable and experienced Chris Hughton. It was the second season running in which the Seagulls had beaten United at the Amex, and it was a fully merited victory. Indeed, Hughton feels his team didn't get enough credit for the win, with many choosing to focus on United's frailties instead of Brighton's strengths.
Hughton has built a side with a nice mix of silk and steel, but if true forward progress is to be made, he must somehow rectify the team's atrocious away form at Premier League level. They have claimed a paltry four points from their last 14 PL away games, and they haven't won on the road in the top flight since November. Hughton knows it's a conundrum to be solved, but with trips to Anfield and the Etihad Stadium on the horizon, it might be a while before those elusive points can be claimed.
Florin Andone, Jose Izquierdo and Bruno are all out, while centre-back Lewis Dunk is battling to recover from a foot injury.
Liverpool set for comfortable win
Liverpool beat Brighton 4-0 and 5-1 last term, and the market expects another crushing win. It's therefore difficult to find a decent price using the Asian Handicap market, as only backing a three-goal Liverpool win will yield a price of above evens.
You could legitimately back Liverpool to win to nil at 1.82. They are the only Premier League side yet to concede, and Brighton have failed to score in four of their last six Premier League away matches.
Goals expected once again at Anfield
Under 2.5 Goals is trading at 3.00, but if you expect Liverpool to keep a clean sheet, that bet is then a matter of whether you think Brighton can restrict the hosts to just a couple of goals. Under 3.5 Goals is trading at 1.84, but beware - Liverpool's last five PL games at Anfield include two 4-0 victories and a 5-0 win.
Terrifying trio all odds-on to score
It says a lot about how much Liverpool are expected to dominate this game that Mohamed Salah 1.39, Sadio Mane 1.79 and Roberto Firmino 1.82 are all oods-on to find the net at some stage in the 90 minutes. Keita is starting to really enjoy himself, and is 3.25 to open his Premier League account.
On the Brighton side of things, consistent playmaker Pascal Gross is 5.40 to score, with veteran striker Glenn Murray priced at 4.10.
If you want a big price from the Sportsbook, the #OddsOnThat list features the possibility of backing Liverpool to win to nil, Sadio Mane to score and there to be more than 9.5 corners at 11/2.
RECOMMENDED BETS
Back Liverpool to win to nil at 1.82
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