Fabian Hurzeler’s side are unbeaten in their last three at home to Liverpool (won two, drawn one) but went down 2-0 at Anfield earlier this season, in part thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s opener after just 46 seconds.
While an extreme example, it does highlight how Brighton have struggled to keep it tight in the first half of games this season. They are one of just three sides, along with Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur, to have conceded more goals in the first half of games (19) than they have in the second half (17).
All not lost for Liverpool
A comprehensive win over Galatasaray on Wednesday sent Liverpool through to the last eight of the Champions League and a similar result in East Sussex on Saturday would go some way towards securing Arne Slot’s side a place in Europe’s elite competition again next season.
Liverpool are fifth in the table, which should be enough to merit a place through the traditional route, although of course they could qualify also by winning the current tournament.
Despite their patchy league form – four wins from 12 in 2026 – strong runs in Europe and the FA Cup mean there is still plenty for the Reds to play for.
Dominik Szoboszlai is making a strong case to be named their player of the season, although there is a school of thought that the Hungary midfielder’s versatility has worked against him, as he has often been deployed at right-back because of injuries to the likes of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.
He scored from midfield against the Turkish champions and didn’t let a defensive role against Tottenham Hotspur last week stop him smashing home a fourth direct free-kick of the season, taking him just one shy of the long-standing Premier League record jointly held by David Beckham and Laurent Robert.