Liverpool returns to Premier League action on Sunday with Brighton the visitors to Anfield. The Reds will have the opportunity to return to the top of the table with a win, ahead of Arsenal’s heavyweight clash with Manchester City shortly after.
Jürgen Klopp’s side will play three fixtures within the space of eight days with a visit of Sheffield United in midweek before another trip to Old Trafford. Manchester United secured bragging rights in the last meeting in the FA Cup before the international break, following a late winner from Amad Diallo.
Off the pitch, the hunt for Klopp’s successor is still ongoing. Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is still widely regarded as the frontrunner for the role, although Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is another candidate.
Liverpool will be able to take a closer look at the Italian on Sunday and he has a decent record against the Reds. De Zerbi is yet to taste defeat in any of his four matches against Liverpool, since taking over at Brighton.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker could still be weeks away from making a return to the first-team picture at Anfield. The Brazilian has been sidelined for the Reds since before the win over Brentford.
Despite this blow for Liverpool, there has been an unexpected boost in terms of one player’s fitness. Defender Joël Matip suffered an ACL injury in December and it was believed he would be sidelined until the end of the season.
Matip is out of contract in the summer and it appeared he had played his last game for Liverpool. However, he has since made an early return at the AXA Training Centre and has been back running on the grass. Despite this news, there is still no timeline on his return.
Liverpool faces Brighton knowing it cannot afford to slip up, with Arsenal and Manchester City going head-to-head later on Sunday. With just ten games remaining in the domestic league season, it will likely be a pivotal round of fixtures in the title race.
