Brighton boss hints at double injury boost ahead of second Liverpool game in four days

Liverpool and Brighton are in one of those interesting positions that comes around from time to time: two games, in different competitions, just days apart. For the second bout, Seagulls manager .

The first contest, in the Carabao Cup, went the way of Liverpool. But ahead of the clash, that takes on a new complexion, with the two managers having sparred and jousted in preparation for a repeat match-up.

Could be made to regret showing too much of his hand? It's unlikely, with he and his Brighton counterpart having each made eight changes for the cup tie. But Liverpool will nonetheless remember last season, where earned a cup win against in between a draw and a defeat in the more important league fixtures.

In reality, Slot and Hurzeler probably weren't trying to obscure their Premier League plans by making changes for the Carabao Cup. It's a congested fixture list, and both need to take the opportunities to rotate when they come along, especially as injuries begin to pile up in both camps.

There's . The likes of , and will no doubt be restored to the line-up after a rest, but , and remain in the treatment room, with no update on .

The Brighton boss, however, could see his options increase. As well as rotating key players back in, Hurzeler might be welcoming back some important stars from injury.

Hurzeler has that Joao Pedro is back in training, meaning he could be in line to feature at Anfield. He has a relatively unhappy personal record against Liverpool, drawing one and losing two of his three encounters, including a role in a 5-0 drubbing while at Watford.

Even so, the Brazilian is a good player, and could pose a threat if he is ready to play a part. He is an effective foil to the in-form Danny Welbeck.

Meanwhile, Matt O'Riley has also resumed training. The summer signing from Celtic is rated really highly, but his start has been derailed by an injury he suffered just minutes into his competitive debut.

O'Riley will be keen to get back on track, and there could be few better ways of re-announcing himself than a strong performance at Anfield. But it remains to be seen what kind of role the midfielder is ready to play.

Liverpool.com says: Regardless of fitness concerns, we were always going to see two very different sets of personnel in the two games between Liverpool and Brighton. However, with both managers impressing their identity throughout their respective squads, the pattern of the league encounter may well be familiar.

Given the quality of Joao Pedro and O'Reilly, their returns would undoubtedly boost Brighton's chances of avoiding a repeat outcome. But Liverpool has the tools at its disposal to complete the double.