2022-2023 FA Cup: Brighton vs. Liverpool

(The Guardian) Brighton v Liverpool looks a key tie in this weekend’s FA Cup
Jürgen Klopp was adamant that progress was being made following Liverpool’s drab goalless draw at home to Chelsea, but a truer test awaits the holders on their return to the Amex Stadium. Brighton ripped through Liverpool in the Premier League a fortnight ago, when Klopp described his team’s 3-0 defeat as one of the worst displays of his managerial career. Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Joël Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all withdrawn in a quadruple substitution midway through the second half against Roberto De Zerbi’s polished side. None have started in the two matches since. Eighteen-year-old Stefan Bajcetic has seized his chance in central midfield, injecting an energy and bite that was previously lacking, while Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez have benefited from the improvement in front of them. Both managers should go strong with no midweek fixtures to concern them. Klopp must hope De Zerbi finds Liverpool unrecognisable.

(The Guardian) Jürgen Klopp has been speaking ahead of his Liverpool team’s return to Brighton. It didn’t go well last time, and apologies for linking to my own article, very poor form. -- Still the worst game I have ever seen of a team of mine, that’s still the same thank god as we have played a few games since then... We did really well in moments and spells of the games. The first half against Chelsea we were very disciplined and we didn’t give them a lot. We have to do that again against Brighton, of course.

We have six or seven midfielders in top shape which is the perfect situation but only three can start. You can’t make mistakes with line-ups. Against Brighton it is massively important how we defend the first line. The goalie is really calm, they just pass the ball if the front three aren’t performing well. It is really about how we defend.

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Some bonus Liverpool transfer news, per PA Media
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has not ruled out defender Nat Phillips leaving before the end of the transfer window.

The 25-year-old is fifth-choice centre-back and has made just five appearances this season and the recall of youngster Rhys Williams this week from a loan spell at Blackpool could pave the way for his departure. “Depends if there are offers,” said Klopp when asked if Phillips could leave. “We have to be prepared for pretty much everything, the 31st is deadline day and we will see.”

Is the season over yet?