Liverpool have nothing to play for except pride, having been confirmed as champions weeks ago. Brighton, on the other hand might slide into eighth place with a point, which will give them a faint hope of qualifying for Europe next season.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is operating with a fully fit squad aside from Joe Gomez, who hasn’t appeared since February due to a hamstring injury. Fabian Hurzeler’s pre-match press conference was positive, with the 32-year-old providing some encouraging team news for Brighton.
Experienced defenders Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman are back at their manager’s disposal, while Kaoru Mitoma will be assessed. Hurzeler has been handed a further boost by the availability of João Pedro after the Brazilian served his three-match suspension.
Meanwhile, James Milner and Georginio Rutter are nearing a return to full fitness. However, with the season concluding on Sunday, the pair might not feature again this season.
There is a glimmer of hope for Brighton regarding their chances of qualifying for Europe next season. They need to end the season in eighth and hope that Chelsea win the Europa Conference League while finishing in seventh position. Fabian Hurzeler’s side have found some consistency in recent weeks, something they have struggled with all season.
A poor second-half display last weekend saw the Reds throw away a two-goal lead against Arsenal at Anfield. Like a joke, Arsenal were level by the 70th minute and despite playing the final 15 minutes with 10 men, they managed to earn a point.
Predicted line-up
Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan; Ayari, Baleba; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota.
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