Liverpool vs Brighton - 25th August

After overcoming two acid test games to start the season, Liverpool have a third test of their credentials to come on Saturday: a game against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Seagulls will travel to Merseyside fresh from beating their eternal rivals, Manchester United, 3-2 at home.

Can the Reds continue their early season promise? Can Brighton hold off the Red onslaught?

Liverpool News

Not much to worry about for Liverpool: expect the same team to start as the previous two games. The effervescent trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will shine, but it’s the midfield trio of Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner and Naby Keita who are impressing the most. Paring well with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, Liverpool look as exciting as they have done in many years.

At the back, expect Virgil van Dijk to continue his blossoming partnership with Joe Gomez: Dejan Lovren, watch out!

Brighton News

Meanwhile, Brighton arrive at Anfield with one win and one loss. They played poorly on their opening day before absolutely outclassing United over 90 minutes. The 3-2 scoreline flatters the Red Devils; Brighton were outstanding.

Expect a similar line-up here, with Dale Stephens and Davy Propper offering zeal in the middle and Pascal Gross offering the attacking impetus from the middle three. Up top, Glenn Murray will need plenty of overlapping runs from Solly March and Anthony Knockaert; though full-backs Martin Montoya and Bernardo will need plenty of cover to handle the Reds pace out-wide.

Match Prediction

This could be a tricky one for Liverpool. Brighton are a good team, and will provide more of a threat than perhaps expected. However, we can see Liverpool edging this one: though, with the pressure already on after two games, it’ll be interesting to see how they handle Brighton.

Roses are Red

Poetry hour!

World Cup Final: France vs Croatia

As a showpiece FIFA World Cup Final awaits us, 1998 winners France will take on first-time finalists Croatia. For just 4m people to reach the tournament final is incredible: can they go all the way and defeat a France side who feel like the best team here in the tournament?


France News
There’s not much in the way of injury worries: Blaise Matuidi and Djibril Sidibe are both doubts but should make it. This will be interesting, though, as Matuidi has been essential to their growth and development as a side as the tournament has progressed. With Croatia so strong out wide, losing his prowess would be a major blow.

Expect Ngolo Kante to be key to victory here, if France are to do it. We think that France will be looking to really push forward their momentum, trying to pin back Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric.


Croatia News

The worrying news that Ivvan Strinic, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic might all be a risk for the Final is a major worry for the Croatians. They will be tired after three consecutive runs of extra time – becoming the only side in history to reach the final by doing so – and will be looking to try and patch up their team in time for kick-off.



Injuries to key players for Croatia is much worse than it is for France, purely for depth reasons. If Perisic was to miss out, then Sime Vrsaljko’ fitness would become even more important.


Verdict


Too close to call, too hard to say: we can see a France win, though. They aren’t very good to watch outside of the Argentina game, but should have the talent to make it count in a one-off game like this – Croatia, though, can feel proud of a run that will live long in the memory.

World Cup Third Place Match: Belgium vs England

After a fantastic run to the Semi-Finals, the dream is over for both England and for Belgium. It’s a major blow to come so close yet be so far, but the Third Place Play-Off tie should really help to settle the podium finish for both sides here in Russia.


Belgium News
Expect the Belgians to rest a few of their players. Romelu Lukaku knows he needs a hat-trick to get the Golden Boot, which would be highly unlikely at this point. Eden Hazard also knows that another good performance would put him alongside Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric for the Golden Ball.

With a long season to come, though, don’t expect many of the major starters to play here. we expect people like Axel Witsel and Vincent Kompany to play, but key player like Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne and Toby Alderweireld will likely sit this one out.


England News
For the Three Lions, the chance exists to give a few of the other players a chance. Expect to see Danny Rose and Trent Alexander-Arnold come in on the flanks, with the back three maintaining a semblance of consistency.

Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane will likely play up-top, too, with Eric Dier replacing Jordan Henderson in the midfield. Jesse Lingard will get the chance to finish off a strong campaign, while Fabian Delph will get to sign off on what has been a very good year for him personally with another game here.


Verdict
While it does not really matter, we expect an English win. Belgium came to the tournament wanting to win it, and will feel gutted by their loss. England just wanted to have a good time, and can go home knowing they managed to achieve that and then some: they will be far more likely to be up for it here.

Gareth Southgate

A picture of England manager Gareth Southgate hugging his wife after England's 2-1 loss to Croatia. For their faults England gave us a good - and unexpected - run in the 2018 Russia World Cup. It's a youthful team and what a journey they've been on. A missed opportunity, yes, but we certainly now have a good foundation on which to build. Let's stay positive!