PREVIEW: Anfield awaits as Liverpool welcome Brighton in FA Cup | OneFootball

Liverpool hosts Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup, one of just two all-Premier League ties at this stage of the competition.

Liverpool comes into the fixture off the back of an impressive midweek win away at Sunderland, ending the Black Cats’ season-long unbeaten run at the Stadium of Light.

The return of Ibrahima Konaté alongside Virgil van Dijk saw the pair re-establish the formidable partnership they can form at the heart of defence.

Brighton, meanwhile, suffered a late defeat against Aston Villa, with an own goal from Jack Hinshelwood proving decisive.

Defender Jan Paul van Hecke was forced off in the 62nd minute through injury and remains a doubt for the trip to Anfield, although early signs suggest he has avoided anything serious.

His potential absence would be a significant blow for Brighton. Van Hecke has recorded the most time on the ball (61 minutes), line-breaking passes (214) and switch passes completed (30) in the Premier League this season, underlining his importance in Brighton’s build-up play. Other absentees for Brighton include Solly March, Adam Webster, Stefanos Tzimas and Yasin Ayari.

Liverpool also have injury concerns. Wataru Endo was withdrawn against Sunderland with a foot injury, with head coach Arne Slot expecting him to be sidelined for a “long time”. This adds to Liverpool’s problems at right-back, with Endo joining Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong on the unavailable list. One of Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to deputise, with Slot seemingly unconvinced by Calvin Ramsay.

Liverpool also remains without Alexander Isak, who continues his rehabilitation from a broken fibula, as well as Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajčetić.

With injuries beginning to affect squad fitness, the tie could present an opportunity for Slot to turn to younger options such as Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, while Federico Chiesa may also see increased involvement. Slot recently stated: “We have three priorities: the FA Cup, qualifying for the Champions League, and the Champions League, but we also have to consider the squad,” highlighting the need for rotation without downplaying the competition’s importance.

The sides last met in the FA Cup in 2023, when Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton defeated Liverpool 2–1 at the Amex Stadium in the fourth round. Prior to that, their previous FA Cup meeting came in 2012, when Liverpool dismantled the Seagulls 6–1 at Anfield in the fifth round.

Brighton have not beaten Liverpool at Anfield since 3 February 2021, when a 56th-minute goal from Steven Alzatesecured a 1–0 win. Liverpool have already beaten Brighton at Anfield this season, with a brace from Hugo Ekitikeproving decisive, although Brighton missed chances that meant the scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of the game.

Whether that pattern repeats remains to be seen when the sides meet on Saturday, 14 February, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 (UK time).