Liverpool predicted XI vs Brighton: three big changes made as £35m star makes return

Liverpool will resume their place in this season's thrilling Premier League title race on Sunday when they host Brighton and Hove Albion for their first match following the international break. The Reds are pushing for the perfect sendoff for Jurgen Klopp, who will leave the club at the end of the season following an iconic nine years at the hilt.

As things stand, Liverpool are second in the table but only behind Arsenal on goal difference. They are one point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City after a tense 1-1 draw couldn't separate the two fierce rival last time out in the league.

With just a sliver of daylight between the three title challengers, Liverpool cannot afford a single slip-up between now and the end of the season. On the day they face Brighton, City will host Arsenal, which could add another twist in this tale.

Meanwhile, the Seagulls are playing catch up with the top six, struggling with a tougher season compared to last year when they secured European football for the first time. Both Brighton and Liverpool have been dealing with their fair share of injury troubles as well, but how could that affect their lineups on Sunday?

Liverpool injury news

Liverpool have had one of the worst records for fitness issues this season as they remain without key players like Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota. Both Caoimhín Kelleher and Conor Bradley have massively stepped up this season as options have been thin for the title challengers.

The latest list of players ruled out or in doubt for Sunday features nine names, including Andy Robertson, who missed a large chunk of this season due to a shoulder injury. The Scot picked up an ankle problem while on international duty but Klopp is 'hopeful' it isn't a serious setback. However, Liverpool may not want to risk starting Robertson so soon, and he may miss out this weekend.

Meanwhile, there have been positive talks surrounding Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez, who both missed the latest international fixtures to recover from their recent injuries. Both could start against Brighton as the Reds hope for a convincing to reclaim the Premier League top spot.

Liverpool predicted XI

Caoimhín Kelleher; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endō, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez.

Brighton injury news

Roberto De Zerbi, who will meet with Liverpool for the first time since being linked with the soon-to-be vacant manager role, also has fitness concerns within his team. Star winger Kaoru Mitoma is out for the rest of the season with a back injury, while the likes of Solly March and Jack Hinshelwood are also sidelined.

Brighton also had injury blows to former Liverpool duo James Milner and Adam Lallana but some positive updates have dropped and both could be available for the visit to their old stomping ground. João Pedro remains a doubt as he recovers from a thigh injury but many are predicting (and hoping) he will just make it back in time to face the Reds.

De Zerbi could opt for another switcheroo in between the sticks and Jason Steele might get the nod this time, as Bart Verbruggen has been out on international duty. If 19-goal Pedro is fit, he will likely slot back in alongside Danny Welbeck, who scored a consolation goal against Roma last time out.

Brighton predicted XI

Jason Steele; Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Pervis Estupiñán, Billy Gilmour, Pascal Groß, Facundo Buonanotte, João Pedro, Danny Welbeck.