Arne Slot reacts during a Liverpool matchplaceholder image
Arne Slot reacts during a Liverpool match | Getty Images
Liverpool host Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday night
Former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker Chris Sutton has predicted Liverpool’s FA Cup game with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday night to go to penalties - with the Reds tipped to advance into the fifth round.
Arne Slot eased the pressure on his shoulders with a hard-fought win over Sunderland in midweek as Liverpool closed the gap on the top five after both Chelsea and Manchester failed to win their midweek games, against Leeds United and West Ham United, respectively.
Liverpool beat League One Barnsley in their third round clash at Anfield while Brighton knocked out Man United with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford. However, the Seagulls Premier League form has been poor of late and has put pressure on manager Fabian Hurzeler.
The clash at Anfield on Saturday could have a huge impact on the losing manager - but Sutton believes Slot will be the one who is feeling more relieved by the end of the night.
“Brighton are on a poor run and apparently it all got a bit ugly at their home defeat by Crystal Palace on Sunday. The fans seem to have lost faith in him, and although that feels harsh to me, when it happens then it it is hard to reverse it.
“The Seagulls beat Manchester United away in round three and now Hurzeler could really do with beating Liverpool away too.
“I wouldn't put it past them, either, especially with Liverpool struggling to see out games at the moment, but I think Slot's side will just about get over the line.”
He then locked in a prediction of the game to be 1-1 after extra-time, with Liverpool to win on penalties.
Liverpool still have the chance to win two trophies this season as they are cut adrift in the Premier League but remain in the FA Cup and the Champions League. They were knocked out of the Carabao Cup earlier in the season after a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Continue Reading