Former Arsenal star Paul Merson predicts a 2-2 draw for Liverpool against Brighton

Given the form we are in and the way Liverpool are playing right now, even a 2-2 draw against Brighton this weekend seems a far stretch. Ever since the start of the season, the Seagulls are displaying a strong brand of football, and have transitioned well from Graham Potter’s managership to now playing under Roberto de Zerbi.

Co-incidentally, De Zerbi’s first game as their manager came against Liverpool at Anfield, and the scorecard from that game is not worth reflecting back upon. But credit where due, the visitors really put the Reds in some trouble. Leandro Trossard scored an Anfield hat-trick and the spoils stood shared in a 3-3 draw.

The Seagulls follow the Reds on the Premier League points table and are just a point away from us as we sit in seventh place with 28 points presently. Former Arsenal star and Sportskeeda columnist Paul Merson predicted a 2-2 draw in this weekend’s fixture between the two sides.

Here is what he told Sportskeeda via Liverpool Echo on the fixture and gave his prediction on the same as well:

“Liverpool won’t be the same without Virgil Van Dijk in the side. He’s their Rolls Royce. This is a major game for Liverpool, and I don’t see Brighton losing this game. I’m going to go with a draw, and I’m being kind to Liverpool here.”

Following a knee injury against Brentford, Virgil van Dijk saw himself replaced at half-time and later scans revealed that the player could potentially miss up to one month of action, obviously including the game against the Albion which is a cause of concern for the Reds. Even though his form has been shaky, he still remains an integral part of the team.

Tough game down South for the Reds

Of course, Merson feels that he is being kind to the Reds. Put the Brighton team, who are literally scoring goals for fun, they’ve scored 14 goals in their last five games against the Liverpool squad, who’ve conceded 10 goals in their last five, this will certainly be an interesting fixture from the standpoint of goals.

A win would boost Liverpool’s morale and confidence, and help to silence critics who have been questioning their abilities. Additionally, getting the better of De Zerbi’s side would help them to stay in the running for a top-four spot in the league, and would also help to prevent Brighton from potentially overtaking them in the league standings.

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It’s likewise important for the team to maintain a positive mindset and not let the recent poor form get to them. Liverpool should stay focused on their goals, and not let external pressure and criticism affect their performance