Liverpool
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6 - 1
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Team News
Apart from long-term absentee Lucas, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish will be able to count with a full-strength squad for the clash. However, it is unknown whether he will field his entire first-choice squad or will assemble a side mixed with starters and reserves. The biggest question is whether Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez will start the game from the kick-off, or whether Andy Carrol will get the nod.
Brighton coach Gustavo Poyet, who defended his fellow countryman during the entire race row with Patrice Evra, will have to make do without the injured pair of Gary Dicker and Tommy Elphick, but he will reinforce his side with Matt Sparrow, who returns from suspension.
Form
The Reds enter the game in the midst of further controversy after Suarez refused to shake the hand of Evra in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League last weekend. Dalglish’s side have been in good form of late, but the issues surrounding the club have made the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. In the previous round of the FA Cup, Liverpool edged United 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp winner from Dutch attacker Dirk Kuyt.
Brighton may not appear to be the strongest of opponents by any extent, but they remain unbeaten in 9 out of their last 10 FA Cup games. Poyet’s side haven’t lost a single game in their last ten games in all competitions, and reached this instance of the competition after brushing aside Premier League opposition in Newcastle United.
Head-to-head
The last time the two sides met was incidentally in the Carling Cup last October, with Liverpool winning the game 2-1 courtesy of goals from Craig Bellamy and Kuyt. But the last time the sides met for the FA Cup 21 years back, Brighton claimed a memorable victory. However, the Reds have a favourable history over their rivals, after having won 12 games and having drawn 8 from the 24 encounters between the two.
Prediction
The Seagulls should give Liverpool a run for their money in what is expected to be a fiercely-contested FA Cup clash at Anfield, but are likely to be interrupted in their quest by a hungry Liverpool side who will be hoping to put their problems aside and claim a vital victory. If Suarez features, he will likely tilt the tie towards the seven-time FA Cup champions.
The Verdict:
Liverpool 3-1 Brighton