Liverpool vs Brighton preview: team news, lineups, TV, kick-off time, referee & VAR

Liverpool will face Brighton in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday when they return from the March international break. 

The Reds haven't been in action since the agonising 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester United before the international period, but will be looking to get back to winning ways when the Seagulls visit Merseyside.

Manchester City host Arsenal elsewhere in the title race on Sunday, meaning it's absolutely crucial that Liverpool capitalise on dropped points at the Etihad by beating Roberto De Zerbi's side.

The Beighton boss appears to have fallen down the pecking order when it comes to Jurgen Klopp's potential successor this summer, but he will be given a free audition at Anfield this coming weekend.

Here is Anfield Watch's guide to Liverpool vs Brighton.

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DATE, KICK-OFF, STADIUM, REFEREE & VAR

• Date: Sunday 31 March 2024

• Kick-off time: 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT

• Stadium: Anfield

• Referee: David Coote

• VAR: Paul Tierney

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

Liverpool vs Brighton isn't a fixture with great history, but the two clubs have still faced off on 39 occasions in the past. In those matches, the Reds have won 20, drawn 12 and lost seven.

A significant amount of meetings have come since Brighton were promoted to the Premier League, with Liverpool initially dominating this fixture upon their return to the English top flight.

Liverpool won the first six Premier League meetings, but the Seagulls have become something of a bogey team for Jurgen Klopp's side since then.

In fact, Liverpool have failed to win any of their last four encounters with Brighton, while only claiming victory in one of the last eight battles.

The Reds couldn't get the better of them in the reverse fixture this season either, with Mohamed Salah's brace only helping Klopp's men to a 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium.

HOW TO WATCH LIVERPOOL VS BRIGHTON ON TV

Liverpool's return to action will be shown live in the United Kingdom, with Sky Sports broadcasting the match. Supporters will likely want to stay tuned for Arsenal's trip to Man City that follows.

In the United States, the match will be available on Telemundo or the USA Network, while those in Canada can tune in to the fuboTV.

Optus Sport are the providers for Australia, with beIN Sports holding the rights for much of Asia and North Africa.

In the majority of Africa, the game will be streamed by SuperSport, with those in South America either able to watch on Star+ or ESPN.

LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

Liverpool's injury woes are starting to clear up, but the Reds are still without a few key players for Brighton's visit.

One concern is Andy Robertson, who went off injured for Scotland in midweek. The scan on his ankle showed it wasn't a serious problem but he didn't train on Friday. That leaves him unlikely to feature here.

Alisson will be absent with a hamstring injury, while Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold are more likely to return in the weeks that follow the Brighton clash.

Stefan Bajcetic is stepping up his rehab but is unlikely to feature on Sunday, while Ben Doak, Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are nowhere near returns.

Injury concerns regarding Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have been eased after both featured for their countries over the international period, but Darwin Nunez is still a slight doubt for the weekend.

Ibrahima Konate should be available again after featuring for France and Curtis Jones could be set for a long-awaited return after sustaining an ankle injury in mid-February.

BRIGHTON TEAM NEWS

Brighton have a few high-profile injuries of their own, with Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma both unavailable for the majority of the rest of the season.

Youngster Jack Hinshelwood is also out for the foreseeable future, but Brazilian forward Joao Pedro could feature at Anfield despite a recent thigh injury.

The same could be said for former Red James Milner, who is also battling a thigh injury at present, while Adam Lallana is set for another return to Anfield.

LIVERPOOL PREDICTED LINEUP VS BRIGHTON

Liverpool will undoubtedly go full strength for Brighton's visit, with Klopp more likely to rotate players for Sheffield United's trip to Anfield several days later.

Curtis Jones is unlikely to start given his long injury lay-off but will hopefully be on the bench, while Ibrahima Konate should come straight back into the lineup.

(4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz. 

LIVERPOOL VS BRIGHTON SCORE PREDICTION

Brighton have been a tough team to predict in 2024, with De Zerbi's men having been incredibly inconsistent. In an attempt to stop leaking goals, the Seagulls have also lost a bit of spark in attacking areas.

Liverpool's home record has been almost perfect this season and that should continue on Sunday, with the Reds aiming to bring their recent Brighton hoodoo to an end.

It's a must-win fixture for Liverpool, and they should get the job done.

Liverpool 3-1 Brighton