Liverpool managed to get the job done and wrapped up the title (well, Chelsea did technically) not long after football returned. And yes, they were hungover when getting a bit of a going over from Man City last week. But what does it all mean now that they have nothing left to play for?
Brighton are in a similar position and could well be thinking about their holidays. They look to be safe and confidence in their Premier League survival is reflected in their now-massive odds to be relegated.
From the reaction Jurgen Klopp gave post-match he was not impressed with that performance at The Etihad and appears somewhat determined not to let the season end in a whimper.
The starting 11 against Aston Villa for the next game yielded only one serious change with Divock Origi replacing Roberto Firmino and, despite being a bit sluggish, Liverpool were comfortable running out 2-0 victors with both goals coming in the last 20 minutes through Sadio Mane and substitute Curtis Jones.
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Now, what about Brighton? Since the resumption their only blemish has been the 3-0 loss at home to in-form Manchester United but wins against Arsenal and Norwich have pulled then a long distance from the abyss.
They face each other this Wednesday (20.15) and, from the pricing of the market and with no leaked team news, Liverpool are odds-on favourites to win this game down on the south coast. The odds give them around a 67% chance of winning and it appears that Liverpool will be, as Klopp suggests, looking to finish strongly.
If there was a dead rubber feel to this tie prior to kick-off I would be playing against Liverpool, but I feel there will be more at stake for the Reds in looking for those end of season records. It is likely that Klopp will rest one of his front three and replace with either Origi or Takumi Minamino, so I will be looking at the first goalscorer markets here for my first play.
Sadio Mane to score first
This bet follows on from his goal last week and, with him still 5 behind Jamie Vardy in the golden boot race, he may feel a late charge is on the cards so I’ll go with Sadio Mane to score first.
Liverpool to win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0
Despite starting smartly last week against United, the Seagulls caved once Mason Greenwood opened the scoring and they pretty much gave up on the game. Something similar could be on the cards this week, too.
Liverpool’s hangovers have surely cleared and they will be starting sharply as they nearly always do and will want to put Brighton under pressure from the off. Should Liverpool bag an early goal, it could be curtains for the game as far as Brighton fans are concerned.
This leads me to the next two bets, in the WhatOddsPaddy market, I like Liverpool to win 1-0, 2 0 or 3-0.
First goal of the game up to and including the 26th minute
For the time of first goal, Up to and including the 26th minute. All in all, this should be a straightforward away trip for Liverpool and will toddle home with 3 more points in the bag.
Tips for Brighton v Liverpool on Wednesday in summary
Sadio Mane to Score First
Liverpool to win 1-0, 2 0 or 3-0
Time of first goal, Up to and including the 26th minute
Don’t Miss:
- Our 14/1 acca for Wednesday’s European footy
- Our best bets in the Championship on a busy Wednesday night
- Our top treble for Wednesday’s 6pm Premier League matches