However, LFC boss Kenny Dalglish knew better. He fielded a team that included six first-team regulars and it's a good thing he did. The Reds needed every bit of quality at their disposal to beat hosts Brighton 2-1 on Wednesday.
Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt scored for Liverpool, who had appeared to finish off their plucky opponents only for Ashley Barnes to smash home a penalty kick in extra time, ensuring a nervy ending.
The game also featured the return of LFC captain Steve Gerrard. The midfielder has been out of action since March, recovering from surgery on his groin. His 73rd minute entrance gave an emotional boost to the Reds, though his impact against Brighton was understandably muted.
Liverpool was shocked at the manner of Sunday’s 4-0 loss at Tottenham, but its fast start Wednesday momentarily eased creeping doubts about the team's ability. Bellamy scored in the 7th minute, giving the Reds just rewards for their early dominance. He was set up by Luis Suarez and slotted his shot past Brighton keeper Casper Ankergren. It was the Welshman’s first start since re-joining the club at the end of August and he repaid Dalglish with a man-of-the-match performance.
The visitors predictably took further control of the proceedings and should have added to their lead at points throughout the first half.
Kuyt’s interplay with Bellamy and Suarez was effective in pinning Brighton deep in its own end for what seemed like the entire 45 minutes. Bellamy nearly made it a double when he hit the bar with a 40th minute free-kick.
Seven games into this season’s Championship, Gus Poyet’s Brighton sit in third place and its supporters have started dreaming about promotion to the English Premier League. Their lack of possession and passing in the first half must have been startling – even in the face of a powerful foe – and it was not until the 45th minute that they threatened LFC 'keeper Pepe Reina.
The Spaniard made an initial save, only for the ball to slip underneath him. Brighton winger (and Liverpool supporter) Craig Noone arrived at the same time as Martin Kelly and he could not hit the target with his effort.
Whether it was that moment or an inspirational halftime speech by Poyet that galvanized the team is not clear. What is beyond doubt is the manner in which the hosts emerged from the break. They were demoralized and unsure of themselves in the first half. The second half was the Yang to the first’s Yin.
The statement of intent came quickly, when Noone curled a shot past Reina. The crossbar kept the Scouser from scoring against his heroes. Brighton continued to dictate the game and push Liverpool to its breaking point, but could did not have the quality to craft a tying goal. Midfielder Matthew Sparrow nearly scored in the 55th minute, with Reina saving a shot from close range.
It was Gerrard’s 73rd minute return that settled things for Liverpool. He slotted into the midfield alongside Lucas and Jay Spearing, helping to calm and organize his teammates, but not driving the team forward as he has done for over a decade.
Kuyt appeared to put the game away in the 80th minute when he finished off a counter attack that started deep in the Liverpool half. Maxi Rodriguez drove through the empty Brighton midfield to the top of their area before laying off to Kuyt, who finished to the far post. It capped a good all-around performance for the Dutchman.
The hosts would not wither away because just they were down two goals. Veteran winger Vicente pounced on a loose ball in the LFC area (Spearing slipped), and was brought down by Jaimie Carragher. It was a clear penalty, and Barnes made no mistake with the spot-kick.
It was all too late for Brighton and Liverpool saw out the game. Wednesday's contest with the high-flying Championship side was anything but easy for the Reds and they will need to solve whatever was behind their loss of form in the second half.
They learn their round of 16 opponents in Saturday’s draw, but their minds will certainly be focused on that day’s game at Anfield against Wolves.
Photo courtesy of LiverpoolFC.tv
