Liverpool will host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday for the second time in a cup tie this season, as the Reds will have to overcome the Championship side’s challenge on their way to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
The Merseyside team has previously knocked out Brighton this season in the Carling Cup with a 2-1 win while playing away from home. Sunday’s fixture will definitely provide Liverpool an edge over their opponents given the presence of the Kop at Anfield.
Liverpool are in good form in the cup competitions. They have reached this stage in the FA Cup after a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United in the fourth round. Besides, Liverpool will travel to Wembley next Sunday for the Carling Cup final against Cardiff.
Kenny Dalglish will have a selection headache when it comes to choosing his wingers as Maxi Rodriguez, who has been a good performer for Liverpool in the cups, is available for selection after recovering from a foot injury. Dalglish will have to choose two men from Maxi, Dirk Kuyt, Stewart Downing and Craig Bellamy to play on the sides.
Liverpool’s top two signings last season, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, are yet to start a game along with Steven Gerrard. And Dalglish will like to try the combination of this trio before next week’s trip to Wembley.
Brighton manager will have learnt lessons from the defeat against Liverpool in September & will definitely use them to give the Reds a shocking defeat.
Brighton, with a few Scousers in their team, will provide a challenge. But it looks like Liverpool will go to the quarters with an easy win in front of the Kop.
Probable line-ups – Liverpool- Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Carragher, Enrique, Maxi, Gerrard, Adam/Spearing, Bellamy, Suarez, Carroll
Brighton- Brezovan, Calderon, Greer, Dunk, El-Abd, Bridcutt, Noone, Forster-Caskey, Buckly, Barnes, Mackail-Smith