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Alan Shearer and Paul Merson are both backing Liverpool to beat Brighton today in what the club will hope is not Mohamed Salah’s final game for the club.
The Egyptian is the center of attention heading into the clash at Anfield following his outburst last weekend. Having claimed that Liverpool had thrown him “under the bus” and that someone was trying to drive him out, Salah also hinted that he could make his final appearance against the Seagulls.
Whether that is the case remains to be seen, but he will at least be back in the squad following positive talks with Arne Slot on Friday.
While Salah's future beyond that might not be secure yet, with discussions set to continue while he's away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool will be eager to pick up another win and ease some of the pressure that has been placed on Slot recently.
The Reds sit 10th in the Premier League ahead of kick-off, having won just two of their last 10 games in the competition. After a much-needed victory against Inter Milan on Tuesday though, former Newcastle and England striker Shearer is backing them to pick up where they left off.
“It's a really tough game for Liverpool,” Shearer told Betfair.
“I guess it's easier playing away when you're under pressure because the scrutiny from home crowds is a lot higher. Liverpool have to try and block out all the noise again and it's massive for Liverpool.
“They've silenced things for a few days after beating Inter and they have to keep doing that. Whether they can or not is a tough one. I guess Slot's team selection will be similar to Tuesday evening.
“I'll back Liverpool to carry on from their good result in midweek and say Liverpool win.”
Merson agrees with that, although the former Arsenal star doesn’t seem as confident as Shearer, and expects Liverpool to be given a tough ride by Brighton.
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Predicting a 2-1 win for the Reds, Merson told Sportskeeda: “This is another dodgy game to predict. On paper, Liverpool should win this.
“But if you've watched them closely this season, you wouldn't be surprised if they struggled again. Liverpool must turn the corner soon though. The fact that they haven't done it yet is a huge problem.
“Brighton are a team that can cause problems to any team in this division. These are the games you want to be winning if you want to retain your title at the end of the season, but I don't think Liverpool are looking that far ahead at the moment.”
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