3 Expectations from Liverpool against Brighton in the League Cup Rd of 16

Liverpool are getting set to lock horns with Brighton Hove & Albion in the Round of 16 of the English League Cup.

The Reds are battling a slew of injuries in this one and are coming off of a hard fought 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League this past Sunday. Having said that, they should still be considered the favorites against the Seagulls on Wednesday.

As we look into this match, there are some things that I will be looking for from Liverpool in this match to make sure they got across the line and into the next round.

Let's take a look at three things I am expecting from the Reds against Brighton.

1. Liverpool keeps a clean sheet

This should be the expectation almost every time the Reds take the pitch, but especially in a cup competition, However, the Seagulls do pose a decent attacking threat and I do expect a little bit of rotation from Arne Slot in this one.

That means Jarell Quansah who has not had a lot of playing time in recent months should be given a chance and if he can come in with little to no rust then it should be a great opportunity for the the Reds to keep any attacks out.

This also means lots of time on the ball and dominating proceedings to keep their opponents pinned back on the defensive.

If an early goal is conceded then this could quickly turn into a topsy-turvy affair that would be up for grabs from there on out, and Slot wants to avoid a track meet as much as he can in this one.

2. Darwin Nunez to score

Nunez had an outstanding day against Arsenal and his hustle and endeavor against RB Leipzig paid off with a scrappy goal from what looked like an already goal-bound Mohamed Salah.

However, it was the rest of his game that impressed on the day as his hold up play was phenomenal and he was a menace for the Gunners defence with his pace trying to get in behind often.

Looking ahead, Jota is going to be out for awhile now so the starring role in the center of attack should belong to Nunez and this is his chance to seize the moment and reaffirm his standing under Slot.

Bagging a goal or two in the EFL Cup would be a good way to begin his path back up the club rankings and if he keeps playing with the same effort we have come to expect, it's possible.

His form over the next few games could be important to Liverpool maintaining their standing in their hunt for several pieces of hardware. Once again, the onus is on the Uruguayan to prove his worth to the club and coaches.

3. No more Reds injuries

Granted this is more of a wish and not an expectation but I expect the coaching staff to try and put the squad in the best positions possible to avoid an unwarranted injuries.

That could mean some heavy rotation to keep fresh legs or at the very least, some key players coming off early if things are in hand around the hour mark of this one.

Could Slot give some youngsters like Tyler Morton and Trey Nyoni an opportunity in this one to make sure his best XI can potentially come on as elite subs if needed.

Another way to combat this would be a fast start from Liverpool that could allows them to coast through the majority of the match with a multiple goal lead. Having the lads come out firing would be an ideal scenario.

Hopefully the Reds can come through with a win and no worse for wear as we look ahead to the next challenge on the calendar.