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

Liverpool v Brighton, Salah talks ease tension before Anfield return

Mohamed Salah is poised to rejoin the Liverpool squad for the visit of Brighton after constructive discussions with Arne Slot on Friday. The forward had been absent for the midweek Champions League win over Inter Milan, a decision taken in the aftermath of his extraordinary outburst following the dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds. That omission sharpened the focus on a relationship under strain, even as Liverpool continue to navigate a demanding winter schedule.

Salah recall brings focus and uncertainty

Salah had again been left as an unused substitute at Elland Road, then spoke to reporters afterwards, claiming he had been made a scapegoat for Liverpool’s uneven form and that he had been “thrown under the bus”. Slot declined to confirm at his pre match press conference whether the Egyptian would be involved against Brighton, stressing that further dialogue was required. Those talks have since proved positive, with Salah now expected to be named in the Anfield squad, offering supporters at least a temporary farewell before heading to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. His longer term future remains unclear, adding intrigue to a fixture that already carries weight.

Photo: IMAGO

Selection puzzles sharpen against Brighton

A place on the bench may await Salah on his recall. Slot has leaned towards a partnership of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, particularly with Cody Gakpo sidelined by a muscle injury. Isak did pick up a knock in the first half against Inter, and Slot suggested he may not be able to start against Brighton, though completing 68 minutes at the San Siro points to a minor issue rather than a significant concern.

Florian Wirtz, who won the decisive penalty from the bench in Italy, is pressing for a return to the starting XI. The German could replace Curtis Jones in a diamond midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, a configuration designed to control tempo and supply the forwards.

Defensive decisions shape Liverpool approach

At left back, Slot faces a meaningful call, with the more attack minded Milos Kerkez pushing for selection ahead of Andy Robertson. On the opposite flank, Jeremie Frimpong is edging closer to a comeback after six weeks out with a hamstring injury, but caution is likely, leaving Joe Gomez to continue at right back as Conor Bradley serves a suspension.

Availability update and match details

Federico Chiesa has recovered from illness and is available, while Wataru Endo faces weeks on the sidelines with an ankle problem. Giovanni Leoni remains a long term absentee. The stage is set for Liverpool against Brighton at Anfield, a 3pm GMT kick off on Saturday December 13, 2025, where selection, diplomacy and momentum intersect once more.