Liverpool return to Premier League action this afternoon when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.
It’s been almost an entire month since Liverpool’s last Premier League game, with fixtures against Chelsea and Wolves both postponed following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The international break then followed, with this afternoon’s game being the club’s first time Jurgen Klopp’s side have played since their 2-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League on September 13.
Kicking-off at 3pm, Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle and Theo Squires will all be at Anfield to provide live updates on the action, as well as bringing you team news, analysis and reaction.
Liverpool team: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Carvalho, Firmino
Subs: Adrian, Gomez, Milner, Elliott, Jota, Diaz, Nunez, Arthur, Phillips
Brighton team: Sanchez, Webster, Dunk, March, Mac Allister, Trossard, Gross, Welbeck, Caicedo, Estupinan, Veltman
Subs: Steele, Lamptey, Colwill, Lallana, Sarmiento, Enciso, Undav, Mitoma, Gilmour
Trent Alexander-Arnold facing another threat after week gets worse for Liverpool
Fans of the narrative were rubbing their hands together in anticipation,, writes Ian Doyle.
With mere minutes remaining and Fabinho having been dumped to the turf some 25 yards from the Brighton and Hove Albion goal, the stage was set for Trent Alexander-Arnold to end a difficult week with a defining statement.
But that his curling free-kick was kept out by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez at full stretch was perhaps fair reflection of the afternoon for both Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool in general.
Let’s make no bones it. The right-back had an absolute shocker here, his start in keeping with a dreadful Liverpool opening that saw Jurgen Klopp ’s side given the runaround by the visitors, playing their first game under new boss Robert De Zerbi.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool
Liverpool’s next six Premier League fixtures
Liverpool lost yet more ground in the Premier League as they were denied a remarkable win against Brighton, with the visitors rescuing a 3-3 draw after their hosts had come back from 2-0 down.
Results elsewhere – namely Arsenal’s 3-1 North London derby win over Tottenham – leave the Reds 11 points from the top of the table with a game in hand, and Jurgen Klopp’s side can barely afford to drop any more points before the World Cup break in November if they are to challenge.
Liverpool have a crucial fortnight in their season coming up, with games against two potential title rivals to come in early October, and an unbelievably congested month is unlikely to get any easier. That level of congestion will be similar for all sides competing in Europe, and here’s a look at Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham’s next six fixtures, to see how they compare…
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: ( THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT ) Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool Before the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on October 01, 2022 in Liverpool, England.
Liverpool player ratings
Liverpool player ratings for the Premier League home game against Brighton at Anfield as Roberto Firmino scores twice but the Leandro Trossard gets a hat-trick at Anfield.
Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring their 1st goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on October 1, 2022
