Brighton vs Liverpool combined XI: Dunk over Konate and Nunez misses out

Liverpool will be looking to build on their impressive start to the season when they go head-to-head with Brighton in the Premier League on the south coast on Sunday. The Reds lost twice at the American Express Community Stadium last season amid a downturn of fortunes but have won five of their first seven top-flight matches this time around. And Express Sport takes a look at the ultimate combined XI ahead of the clash.

Goalkeeper – Alisson

Alisson has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2018 and would line-up between the sticks, with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi still rotating between Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen.

Defence – Alexander Arnold, Van Dijk, Dunk, Robertson

Liverpool’s defence were found wanting time and time again last season as they shipped a hatful of goals. But Jurgen Klopp has tightened things up at the back, with the side conceding an average of one goal a game in the Premier League since this campaign got underway.

Reds full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have gained plaudits for their performances for years now and would be thrown into the starting team in a combined XI. However, Robertson’s inclusion wouldn’t be guaranteed as Pervis Estupinan has impressed for the Seagulls this term following a stellar campaign last time around.

Virgil van Dijk isn’t the player he was a few years ago but would still be called upon at centre-back, with Brighton’s first selection in the team coming in the shape of Lewis Dunk, who would add his leadership skills to the backline.

Midfield – Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Mitoma

One of the best midfielders on show made his name at Brighton before moving to Liverpool in the summer, with World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister nailing down a place in a combined team. Another Reds summer signing Dominik Szoboszlai would also be named on the team sheet, with Brighton ace Kaoru Mitoma also deserving of selection. The Japan star would have to slot in in midfield, however, to make room for the other attacking talent on display.

Forwards – Salah, Ferguson, Diaz

Brighton have been one of the best attacking teams in the Premier League during the early part of the season after bagging an incredible 72 goals throughout the last campaign. And star striker Evan Ferguson would therefore be called upon to lead the frontline.

Ferguson would likely bang in plenty of goals in a combined team, with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz on hand to lay on the chances. Salah will go down as one of the best forwards in Premier League history, while Diaz is starting to find his feet in English football after joining Liverpool at the start of 2022. And that means there would be no room for Darwin Nunez, who joined the Reds last summer. The striker is currently valued at £56million by Transfermarkt.