There are now just 5 rounds left to play in the English Premier League and a lot of things still to be decided. At the top of the list is the race for European places, which has been blown wide-open with the resurgence of Manchester United, who now look like a very good bet to sneak into the top 4. It is worth remembering, though, that the UCL places may become a top 5 scenario if UEFA decided to uphold their 2-year ban on Manchester City. Let’s take a closer look at one of the upcoming EPL matches so you can bet against their Premier League odds.
Liverpool Vs Brighton Game Preview
We have a battle for survival going on at the bottom of the table, with Norwich looking like the only team that is, at this point, truly destined to make the drop back down into the Championship. This game really doesn’t have any level of importance attached to it. Liverpool have already been crowned champions, while Brighton are now all but safe from relegation. The question now is how hard Liverpool are going to push to set goals and points records in the EPL. Liverpool will hit the road as modest 1-goal favorites, with the goal total for this one set at 2 ¾.
Why bet on Brighton
You need to go all the way back to the 1983/84 season to find the last time that Brighton managed a win over Liverpool, with that one coming in the FA Cup. Since then, they have managed 1 draw and 8 defeats in their meetings with the champions. That said, other than a couple of blowouts, things have tended to be close, with each of the last 3 games between these two teams decided by a single goal, which includes a 2-1 Liverpool win at Anfield earlier this season. Brighton have been hovering down near the relegation zone all season, but a 1-0 win over bottom of the table Norwich over the weekend has them now 11 points clear, all but securing themselves a place in the Premier League next season. At home, Brighton have gone 5-6-5, scoring 19 and surrendering 19 in those 16 games.
Why bet on Liverpool
If you have watched the last two matches that Liverpool have played since clinching the title, you might well have reason to believe that they have taken their foot off the gas. It’s not altogether surprising when you consider that they really have nothing else left to prove. They were thumped 4-0 by Manchester City in their first game after becoming champions, which they followed up with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in a game that looked more like a training session. With that in mind, it is very tough to predict how they are going to come out for another meaningless game. They have struggled to beat Brighton in their last 3 meetings, so keep that in mind. On the road this season, Liverpool are 12-2-2, scoring 26 and surrendering 13.
General Match Info Liverpool F.C. Vs Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
- When: Wednesday, July 8 at 3:15 PM EST
- Where: American Express Community Stadium, Brighton
- Liverpool Vs Brighton Live: NBCSN
- EPL Odds: Liverpool wins -181 / Brighton wins +463 / Draw +307
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
Given the circumstances of this game, it becomes a very difficult one to handicap. It’s tough to know what Liverpool team is going to show up here, but I think they do enough to win.
Pick: Brighton 0 Liverpool 3
