After the Sunday we’ve just had, its almost a relief to be playing again so soon. Hopefully more relief will come in the form of captain Steven Gerrard, who should make his first appearance of the season at some point. And, oh, how we need him!
It might just be the Carling Cup, but tonight’s match offers the Reds an opportunity to re-build their confidence and get back into second (or maybe even third!) gear. It’s also a welcome chance to give youngsters some game-time, bring injured players back into the fold, and a cheap way for Skrtel and Charlie Adam to serve their one-match suspensions!
In the last round (against Exeter) King Kenny put out a reasonably strong team, and we expect him to put out a competitive first XI against Brighton too. With Skrtel and Agger ruled out it looks like Seb Coates might get his first few kicks of English football – if he matches up to the physicality of it all expect him to be in the first team for Wolves on Saturday too.
Brighton have started the season brightly, which works to Liverpool’s advantage. Had they started slowly then they would be able to focus on giant-killing, but as it is, they have one eye on our match and one eye on the top-of-the-table clash against Leeds United on Friday. Poyet is expected to rest at least a few of his best players in anticipation, which should make Liverpool firm favourites.
SCORE BET
If we were pushed to take a punt on the score, we’d guess at a 3-1 Liverpool win. With Liverpool’s poor current form however, we think a better bet is to pick the right result – Liverpool are at 1.62 to win this match, and we think it will be much more comfortable than that, even if Brighton are playing well at the moment. For every pound you put on, you get 62p back (as well as your quid), which isn’t bad considering Liverpool are a title-aspiring Premier League team, against a side that has only just come up from League One. (Paddy Power offer the best odds at 1.62).
BEST BET
Whilst we think Luis Suarez might be rested this time around, allowing the attacking focus to fall onto Andy Carroll. He’s struggled to get in amonst the goals so far this season, but this is a match where he should be able to over-power the lower league defenders a little easier. We think a punt on him as an anytime goalscorer might be worth it at 2.2.
Place this bet with BetClic and you can’t lose – because it’s your first bet, even if Carroll doesn’t score you will get your money back. This isn’t like a normal free-bet where they make you spend it on the site, you can actually just take your money back! If you stuck £30 on (the maximum Bet Clic will refund you), you would walk away with almost £70! All completely risk-free! Click here to take advantage of this deal!
WATCH
The match will not be live on Sky Sports or ESPN, but WILL be being streamed over at Bet365. You need to have £10 in your account (just leave it in there) and you will be able to get a free, good quality stream. Check it out.
What are your betting tips? Let us know below :)