Despite the disappointments from Crystal Palace’s FA Cup success, Albion still have a glimmer of hope to reach Europe this season, although it is far-fetched!
The Seagulls had their chances boosted after Brentford’s collapse against Fulham in the West London Derby, as Fulham stole all three points in a 3-2 win. As well as this, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal both secured victories in their push for Champions League football.
Albion would require Chelsea to slip to seventh position whilst simultaneously winning the Europa Conference League to achieve an eighth-place qualification.
Despite this, Brighton have to capitalise on the luck by achieving a better result than Brentford’s yesterday in tonight’s fixture against Liverpool.
How should Brighton line up?
With João Pedro back available for a big game like this, I believe his ability commands a place back in the starting XI.
Yankba Minteh switched to the left with Brajan Gruda’s impressive impact off the bench last week, and keeping that shape with Kaoru Mitoma’s recent injury record could be an ideal move.
I’ve opted for another start for Adam Webster despite Lewis Dunk’s return. Webster has impressed in most games he has played this season, and with Joel Veltman adding a level of stability in defence, it seems the logical thought.
Veltman’s injury crisis has come at a bad time for Brighton, but coming back into the side allows a chance for Mats Wieffer to finally make his move into midfield alongside Matt O’Riley and Carlos Baleba.
A win is a must, and with the Champions already partying, they could well be there for the taking.
