Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool: Carabao Cup team news

Team news

Liverpool will be without a number of key players for their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night.

Virgil van Dijk, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, and Arthur Melo are all out injured, while Ibrahima Konate is a doubt after missing the FA Cup win over Wolves with a muscle problem.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could make changes to his team from the one that beat Wolves, with Naby Keita and Fabio Carvalho pushing for starts.

Brighton will be without long-term absentee Jakub Moder, while Leandro Trossard is a doubt after missing the FA Cup win over Middlesbrough with a calf injury.

However, the Seagulls have no other fresh injury concerns, and boss Roberto De Zerbi is expected to field a strong team.

What the managers said

Jurgen Klopp:

"We have to be ready for a tough game. Brighton are a good team, and they will be confident after their win over Middlesbrough in the last round."

Roberto De Zerbi:

"We are excited for this game. Liverpool are a great team, but we believe we can beat them. We will play our own game and try to win."

Key Stats

• Liverpool have won the Carabao Cup a record nine times.
• Brighton & Hove Albion have never won a major trophy.
• Liverpool have won their last four matches in all competitions.
• Brighton & Hove Albion have won their last three matches in all competitions.

Prediction

Liverpool will be confident of winning this match, but Brighton & Hove Albion are a dangerous team and will be no pushovers.

I predict a narrow win for Liverpool, but Brighton & Hove Albion could cause an upset.