Brighton vs. Liverpool: Complete Preview, Start Time and Schedule

Brighton is set to take on Liverpool in a Carling Cup match. Liverpool advanced to this stage with a 3-1 win over Exeter City last month.

However, the last time on the pitch, Liverpool was trounced by the Hotspurs 4-0. They will be looking to rebound in a big way in this match.

This is the first competitive match between these two since a Division One match in 1983, and I don't think Brighton has been complaining about this. They have only beaten the Reds one time and that was a 1-0 win at Anfield in 1982.

Liverpool has a clear advantage in this match. They have more talent and they are playing this campaign in a higher league than Brighton. However, that is far from a guarantee for success. Liverpool has lost two of their last eight League Cup matches against clubs from lower leagues.

Also Brighton is no stranger to upsets in the Carling Cup. Their last victory over a Premier League club was a Carling Cup victory in penalties over Manchester City in 2008.

Where: Amex Stadium in Falmer, England

When: Wednesday, September 21st at 2:45 p.m. EST

Watch: Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports HD 2

Player to Watch for Brighton: Mauricio Taricco

The 38-year-old Taricco is being thrust into action on the heels of Marcos Painter's one-game suspension. Taricco is a former Tottenham defender, but is now Albion's assistant manager. He will be starting at left-back for Brighton and there is no doubt Liverpool will try to test him early and often.

Player to Watch for Liverpool: Steven Gerrard

Gerrard is set to make his return after a six-month layoff from groin surgery. He is the Reds' captain and the heart and soul of this team. It will be interesting to see what kind of condition he is in, and how much rust accrued from his extensive layoff. 

Key Matchup: Casper Ankergren vs. Luis Suarez

If Brighton is going to have a chance in this match then Ankergren must have a fabulous match in goal.

He is likely going to be tested early and often, and the majority of those tests will be coming off of the feet of Suarez. Suarez has been in top form this year.

What They're Saying:

The Carling Cup is not the first priority for England's top teams. Don't tell that to Liverpool manager Kenny Daglish, though. Here is Daglish on the subject, as quoted on soccerway.com:

"

"We are pleased to be in the Carling Cup and our intention is to stay in it for as long as we possibly can.

"We will have a strong team out tomorrow night and we will treat it in the same manner as we treated the Exeter game.

"If we go there with the same attitude then we will give ourselves the best chance to win."

"

Brighton is going to be without Marcos Painter who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in their loss to Leicester. Brighton's manager Gus Poyet does not agree with the decision. Here is Poyet as quoted on yahoo.com:

"

"I feel sorry for Marcos. The ball hits his hand from two yards and now he is going to miss Liverpool at home. Is that fair?"

"

Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2

Brighton 0