The League Cup returns this midweek and the draw threw up an intriguing clash between Brighton and Liverpool.
The Reds are one of the tournament favourites but Brighton are a tough nut to crack and will have aspirations of their own of attempting to win the competition.
Match Preview
Brighton Recent Form
Brighton have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five Premier League games and are undefeated in three.
From those last three, they beat Tottenham 3-2 and Newcastle 1-0 but dropped points at the weekend in a 2-2 thriller against Wolves in which the visitors scored a late equaliser.
Brighton Injury News
Brighton's list of absentees is extensive as Joao Pedro, Solly MArch, Matt O'Riley, Adam Webster and James Milner are out injured, while former Leeds star Georginio Rutter is cup-tied.
Danny Welbeck remarkably played for Brighton at the weekend despite being stretchered off and given oxygen the week before against Newcastle, so he is available.
Lewis Dunk is a doubt due to a calf issue.
Last Brighton Lineup
Here's how Brighton lined up against Wolves.
Liverpool Recent Form
Liverpool's recent form has been excellent, mostly, as up until the weekend's 2-2 draw away at Arsenal they won eight games in a row in all competitions.
In that run, they beat Bournemouth, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Premier League, West Ham in the League Cup and Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Liverpool Injury News
Harvey Elliott, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota are out, while Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley are doubts for Arne Slot's side.
Last Liverpool Lineup
Here's how Liverpool lined up against Arsenal.
Brighton - Player To Watch
Due to injuries and the form of Welbeck, Evan Ferguson has played just 99 minutes of football in the Premier League this season but came off the bench to score at the weekend so he'll feel he has earned himself a start.
Liverpool - Player To Watch
With both managers set to rotate, one Liverpool player certain to start is Cody Gakpo, who has found starts hard to come by recently.
Brighton vs Liverpool - Prediction
Due to the extensive personnel changes expected, it is relatively tough to predict this one but Liverpool's squad players should have enough to overcome Brighton away. Having said that, the Seagulls may play a stronger team if their pursuit of the trophy is a more serious endeavour than that of their opponents.
Scoreline prediction - Brighton 1-2 Liverpool
Brighton vs Liverpool - Betting Tips
Liverpool to Win and Over 2.5 Goals Scored
- In Brighton's last five games, 20 goals have been scored
- Two out of Liverpool's last three games have ended with two or more goals scored
