Liverpool Starting XI vs Brighton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Brighton predicted lineup and team news ahead of FA Cup clash

Liverpool return to Anfield for a high stakes FA Cup tie against Brighton, with Arne Slot facing a selection puzzle shaped by injuries, rotation, and recent form. After lifting the Premier League title in his debut campaign, the Liverpool manager continues to balance ambition with squad management, and this cup fixture offers another glimpse into how his side could line up.

Injury updates shaping Liverpool selection

Liverpool arrive with fresh concerns after the 1-0 victory away at Sunderland. Wataru Endo, deployed at full back during that match, suffered a significant setback.

“We still need to do some assessment but it is clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time,” Arne Slot said of Endo in the pre-match press conference.

“He is a good centre-back and midfielder as well. In those positions, we are quite vulnerable over there as well if something happens.”

Endo joins a growing list of absentees, including Alexander Isak, Leoni, Frimpong and Bradley. Isak’s broken leg leaves Liverpool light in the striker department, placing extra responsibility on Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike. The injury picture could influence how aggressively Liverpool approach this FA Cup meeting with Brighton, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.

Photo: IMAGO

Midfield decisions and tactical balance

One positive for Liverpool is the return of Dominik Szoboszlai, whose suspension applied only to Premier League action. His availability offers added creativity and flexibility in the predicted lineup. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch formed the double pivot at Sunderland, yet Curtis Jones is pushing for inclusion as Slot looks to manage workloads.

Jones brings energy between the lines, while Mac Allister’s composure could prove valuable against a Brighton side known for technical midfield play. Expect Liverpool to retain a 4-2-3-1 shape, with fluid movement behind the striker designed to stretch Brighton’s defensive structure.

Defensive rotation ahead of Brighton test

Joe Gomez’s return from injury provides timely reinforcement. He came off the bench to replace Endo after 69 minutes at the Stadium of Light, and his presence could allow Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate to rest after heavy minutes in recent weeks. Slot has relied heavily on that central defensive pairing, so rotation feels likely.

At left back, Andy Robertson started the previous match ahead of Milos Kerkez. Whether Robertson keeps his place or Kerkez steps in may depend on how Liverpool plan to deal with Brighton’s wide threats. Squad depth at the back remains a talking point, particularly with Endo sidelined.

Predicted lineup for Liverpool vs Brighton

The Liverpool predicted lineup reflects both necessity and tactical intent. Gakpo could move into the central striking role, allowing Ekitike a breather, while Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa provide width and attacking drive. Florian Wirtz operating centrally behind the forward would give Liverpool an inventive edge against Brighton’s press.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Szoboszlai, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Salah, Wirtz, Chiesa, Gakpo.

Kick off is scheduled for 8pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Anfield, with live coverage on TNT Sports. Liverpool supporters will hope the blend of returning players and emerging options delivers another strong performance as Slot’s side aim to progress in the FA Cup against a resilient Brighton outfit.