EFL Cup: Brighton Out to Maintain Liverpool “Hoodoo”

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool

An EFL Cup tie to excite on the south coast forms part one of a double serving, as Brighton and Liverpool prepare to do battle twice in less than 72 hours this week.

For so long this was not even a top flight affair, but the Seagulls’ resurgence in recent years, first under Graham Potter and then Roberto de Zerbi, have made them a team to watch – even after successive summers of losing their top talent (on and off the pitch).

So why can’t they upset one of the big boys yet again and create a night of EFL Cup 2024 highlights?

 

Talking Points

Both sides were involved in 2-2 Premier League draws at the weekend, but they were results received very differently.

Brighton looked on course for victory when they led 2-0 at home to Wolves with three minutes remaining after substitute Evan Ferguson added to Danny Welbeck’s opener.

However, they allowed Wolves, who were staring at a sixth successive league defeat, back into the contest and Matheus Cunha’s deflected shot went in off the underside of the bar in the 93rd minute.

The equaliser came moments after Brighton somehow messed up a four-on-one situation as they searched for a third goal.

The hosts will want to be much tighter at the back in midweek, although it seems they will again be without their captain Lewis Dunk, who injured his calf in the warm-up on Saturday, denying him the opportunity to make a landmark 250th Premier League start for the club.

Little over 24 hours later, Liverpool were also involved in a four goal contest as they twice came from behind to draw at injury-hit Arsenal.

It was a good result for the visitors at a ground where they had lost for the past two seasons.

A number of those who started in North London are expected to be rested or certainly on the substitute’s bench in midweek as their new manager, Arne Slot, opts to utilise the strong squad at his disposal.

That will probably mean starts for the likes of Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, Dutch winger Cody Gapko, Joe Gomez, and young defender Jarell Quansah.

It will be interesting to see if Brighton’s manager Fabian Hurzeler opts to play his favoured starting lineup or also opts for some of the squad players.

The 31-year-old is certainly making an impression in England where he was offered a three-year contract after leading St. Pauli to the Bundesliga 2 title last year.

He rested key men for their 3-2 victory over Wolves in the last round and may do the same again.

Liverpool, who have only tasted defeat once so far this term, start as favourites but beware Brighton.

 

History

Since their very first meeting in 1908 – an FA Cup tie which finished 1-1 at Anfield (the Merseysiders won the second-round replay 3-0) – Liverpool had predominantly dominated the fixture with 21 wins compared to seven Brighton successes and 12 draws.

Yet Brighton have been a thorn in Liverpool’s side in recent years.

Last season they held them to a 2-2 draw on the south coast as Simon Adringa and Lewis Dunk scored in a 2-2 draw.

The previous season, they beat them twice at home – once in the league and once in the FA Cup – and also enjoyed a 3-3 draw at Anfield.

Liverpool beat them 2-1 at home last Easter, their first victory over the Seagulls in five attempts.

On that occasion Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah scored after Welbeck had put Brighton in front.

Their last meeting in the League Cup came in 2011 when, managed by Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners, thanks to goals from Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt before Ashley Barnes pulled one back for the then recently promoted Championship side from the penalty spot.

 

Betting Tip

If you back Brighton you can enjoy a tidy sum, including 1X2 @ 3.10 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.16.

Liverpool are offered 1X2 @ 2.02 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.02 with the SBOTOP EFL Cup 2024 betting odds.

The draw @ 3.30 is good value, although obviously the tie has to be decided on the night, whereas a repeat of their 2-2 draw last season is on offer @ 12.00 with Correct Score.

For two teams that like to attack, I have ruled out Total Goals 0-1 @ 3.91 but have considered 4-6 @ 2.53 and Over 3.00 goals @ 1.94.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.