Liverpool v Brighton predicted team: Mane out and surprise selection in defence

Sadio Mané,Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah 

Last weekend Salah was asked to sit out of the game due to his ankle problem. This weekend Sadio Mane should be dropped to protect him. Mane is probably the most important forward but he’s man not machine and is due a rest.

That will mean Divock Origi comes into the side on the left-hand side and features in the front three with Roberto Firmino and Salah. Mo didn’t have a great game during the week but Brighton will be a different foe to Napoli and there should be more for him to exploit.

With Oxlade-Chamberlain picked behind Bobby, Origi and Salah there will be more threat from midfield and a player who can pick a pass and open up space. This is important because it will draw the Seagulls’ defenders out of position and won’t let them park up in two lines of four – like Carlo Ancelotti had his side do.

Firmino could probably do with a rest at some point but the Ox didn’t convince as a false nine and Mane is first in the queue or a breather. Origi could come in for the Brazilian at some point, but not this weekend.

Mane being introduced to the game from the bench will be a terrible prospect for the away side, especially if they’re chasing the game – which will leave sections of the field open and inviting to a counter-attack.