We simulated the Premier League encounter between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion on EA FC 24 to predict the final score.
Liverpool can return to the top of the Premier League table with three points against Brighton and Hove Albion later today.
That’s at least for a few hours with Arsenal and Manchester City going head-to-head later in the day, but a win for Liverpool is vital because if Arsenal fail to take three points, then the Reds will end the week as league leaders.
Jurgen Klopp’s side entered the international break on the back of late heartbreak, with the 4-3 loss against Manchester United ending the Reds’ run in the FA Cup at the quarter-finals stage.
But now, all attention can turn to the Premier League and Europa League, with the Reds hosting Brighton on Sunday. Mohamed Salah scored twice in a 2-2 draw with the Seagulls earlier in the season, though recent form hasn’t been on Liverpool’s side, with Klopp’s side without a win in their last four meetings against Brighton.
We predict that Liverpool could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
We predict that Brighton could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van de Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Gross, Gilmour; Adingra, Buonanotte, Fati; Welbeck.
A quick start from Liverpool saw them take the lead at Anfield, with Conor Bradley’s fizzed cross tapped through the ‘keeper’s legs by Luis Diaz from close range. Before the 20-minute mark, the Reds doubled their lead to put themselves into a commanding position.
A long ball forward from Virgil van Dijk saw Darwin Nunez and Lewis Dunk race into a 50/50, but it was the Uruguayan who reached the ball first, resulting in a penalty for the Reds. Alexis Mac Allister stepped up instead of Salah, and the midfielder rifled his shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Just moments after the second goal, the Reds were dealt a big blow as Wataru Endo was sent off for a dangerous challenge in the middle of the pitch. With the man advantage, the visitors started to gain some confidence, but a moment of magic extended Liverpool’s lead to three in the 44th minute.
After a late challenge from Billy Gilmour, Dominik Szoboszlai won a free-kick 30 yards from goal. The Hungarian stepped up to take in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence, and he curled a fantastic shot into the net from distance to put Liverpool three goals ahead.
Klopp’s side took their feet off the gas in the second half, and in the 71st minute, Brighton pulled a goal back through Danny Welbeck. The Reds didn’t panic though, and a professional performance saw Liverpool see out the victory at Anfield.
EA FC 24 predicted final score: Liverpool 3-1 Brighton.
