Hull's deep defending depends on the first forward pass sticking so nearby runners can join it. Brentford have several recently demonstrated ways to keep attacks moving through central and wide receivers. At Anfield, Brighton's expected league unit brings central combinations into a contest with Liverpool's aggressive pressure and forward running.
Thiago can receive and supply, while Anthony, Jensen and Schade offer different routes around Hull's block. Hull's latest match at Fulham showed the cost of losing that outlet: McBurnie had no shot and the team produced no attempt on target. Repeated defending gives Brentford's varied supply time to work.
Janelt and Yarmoliuk are suspended after their Liverpool appearances. Jensen and Sangare have actual recent minutes, and Schade has also returned to action; Hull's returning options add choices to a midfield still seeking better forward contact. I expect Brentford to sustain more attacks and make Hull repeatedly reset across the pitch. That's why I'm siding with Brentford to win.
Brighton's Gross, Andres, Ayari and Kostoulas can connect centrally before releasing Gomez or De Cuyper outside. Liverpool's recent attack has improved through wide acceleration and combinations, but the Villarreal match also showed exposed recovery runs and first-pass mistakes. Brighton's passing links directly test those areas.
Szoboszlai and Frimpong missed Liverpool's latest game after leaving injured at Brentford. Brighton's expected league unit was largely rested or used for shorter appearances in Europe, and the case uses that existing group without requiring disputed returns. I expect Liverpool's opening pressure to meet an away side with active outlets and a route to answer through central-to-wide attacks. That's why I'm siding with Brighton to avoid defeat.
