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Liverpool will look to make decent progress in another domestic cup competition when they take on Brighton in the 5th round of the F.A Cup at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds have already secured a date at Wembley after defeating Premier League leaders Manchester City in the Carling Cup semi-finals last month, and now they will look to secure a second final at the home of English football in the space of a few months having not played there since the 2006 F.A Cup final.
However before they can start dreaming of recreating that magical day that saw them beat West Ham in what was generally regarded as one of the greatest F.A Cup finals of the modern era, they must negotiate their way past a Brighton side that have already claimed a Premier League scalp in the previous round.
Kenny Dalglish’s men have been heavily criticised in recent weeks after Luis Suarez’s refusal to shake Patrice Evra’s hand on his first full start since being handed an eight game suspension for racially abusing the Frenchman during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United last weekend.
The Scot was forced into apologising alongside Suarez following the game, and now he’ll look to end the week on a more positive note than it began by securing a quarter-final berth.
Liverpool were able to set up the tie with Brighton thanks to a 2-1 win over United in the last round, and now the Merseyside club will be hopeful of going all the way with both United and Premier League leaders Manchester City already out of the competition.
Gus Poyet’s side were able to send high-flying Newcastle crashing out of the competition thanks to an own goal by Mike Williamson, with their reward another high profile fixture against Liverpool.
Brighton saw their early season form tail off but have started picking wins more recently, with the Seagulls sitting in 9th thanks to five wins and two draws from their least seven Championship games.
Liverpool have no new injury worries going into the game, with Lucas Leiva the only absentee from Dalglish’s squad.
Jay Spearing was given the nod for the United game ahead of Charlie Adam, but the youngster gave away the ball for what proved to be United’s winner in the game, and the Scot should come back into the squad to partner Steven Gerrard.
Match Winner
Despite Brighton’s excellent win in the last round of the F.A Cup, Liverpool are massive favourites to make it to the quarter-finals.
Coral have the home side priced at 1.29 (2/7) to make it through safely while Brighton are 15.00 (14/1) with StanJames to cause a major upset. SkyBet have the draw placed at 5.50 (9/2).
First Goalscorer
Luis Suarez scored on his first full start for Liverpool since returning from suspension, and the Uruguayan is the favourite to find the back of the net first against Brighton.
Coral have Suarez priced at 4.50 (7/2) to score first, while Andy Carroll is placed just behind him at 5.00 (4/1) with the same bookmaker.
Craig Mackail-Smith represents Brighton’s best chance of scoring first, and the former Peterborough striker is priced at 12.00 (11/1) with Coral to do just that.
Recommended Bets
Correct score: 2-0 Liverpool, 7.00 (6/1) Ladbrokes
First Goalscorer: Luis Suarez, 4.50 (7/2) Coral
