Suarez will be come face to face with compatriot Gus Poyet when Brighton travel to Anfield.
Fellow Uruguayan Gus Poyet was outspoken in his backing of Luis Suarez earlier in the season, but insists the striker did the right thing in apologising for his actions last weekend.
Former Chelsea man Poyet himself came under criticism earlier in the season, when he tried to explain the cultural differences between England and Uruguay, which led to Suarez being accused of racial abuse.
Poyet was accused of ‘excusing’ Suarez, when he was simply trying to act as a well informed mediator.
Poyet is adamant that the issue has not affected Liverpool’s standing in the game, “Nothing has changed for me- Liverpool are still one of the top teams in the world.”
Both Uruguayans will no doubt be looking forward to putting on a display on the pitch to get the fans talking, even if both Suarez and Poyet will wish for different outcomes.
For Suarez, if selected, it will be his first home start since his eight-game ban, and an opportunity to let his football write the headlines.
If he were left out it would only fuel rumours that he will be sold from the club in the summer, but Dalglish has remained loyal so far and it still seems the rumours are adding two and two and coming up with five.
Liverpool fans will be excited to give Suarez and Gerrard some regular playing time together.
Suarez has been at the club for more than a year now, but the amount of games he and Liverpool’s captain have started together must remain in single figures.
Gerrard’s lengthy injury and Suarez’s ban have prevented the pair from striking up a partnership, and fans will hope they both remain fit and available over the coming months.
Poyet’s Brighton will be no pushovers, currently ninth in the Championship, two points off a play-off spot and seven points off an automatic promotion place.
The club will soak up their away day at Anfield, and if a giantkilling is not on the cards, they will hope for a draw, to get Liverpool back down for a replay at their brand new Amex stadium.
It would be the second time this season, with goals from Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt clinching a 2-1 away win in the Carling Cup at the end of August.
Liverpool, with one eye on next weekend’s Carling Cup Final, will hope to get today’s tie wrapped up with a win in 90 minutes. Anything less will be considered a less than satisfactory afternoon for the club.
Can Brighton spring an upset? Let us know
image: © Daniel Coomber
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