Liverpool Unleash Salah Against Brighton as Ekitike Verdict Revealed—Latest Injury Updates and Starting XI Predictions
The FA Cup represents Liverpool's best opportunity for a trophy this campaign, though they must overcome a challenging fourth round encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion before contemplating any Wembley aspirations.
Despite Brighton's current struggles under Fabian Hürzeler this term, they retain a skilled roster that could pose problems for Liverpool. Given Arne Slot's team's unpredictable performances, they cannot afford complacency at Anfield on Saturday evening.
Alterations are anticipated from the lineup that earned a vital 1–0 victory against Sunderland midweek, though injury concerns limit Slot's ability to rotate for Brighton's northern visit.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Wataru Endo becomes the newest casualty of Liverpool's right-back injury crisis. Standing in for the sidelined Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley versus Sunderland, the Japanese midfielder was carried off on a stretcher with twenty minutes remaining and will definitely miss this weekend's fixture—Slot confirming the injury as "severe."
Frimpong and Bradley remain unavailable for Saturday's match, but Joe Gomez made his injury comeback at the Stadium of Light and is expected to start at right-back. Dominik Szoboszlai, who served his suspension during the Sunderland encounter, presents another possibility for the position now that he's eligible again.
Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni continue as long-term casualties for the Reds, joined by academy prospects Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajčetić.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton (4-2-3-1)
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—Mamardashvili serves as a capable understudy to Alisson, though he's managed only two shutouts in 11 appearances while deputizing for his Brazilian colleague.
RB: Joe Gomez—A well-timed return from the substitutes' bench midweek should address one selection headache for Slot ahead of Brighton's arrival, though Liverpool will need to carefully monitor the injury-susceptible defender's playing time.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—With Gomez moved to right-back and Leoni sidelined, Liverpool lack senior center-back alternatives for rotation. Konaté should continue after an excellent showing at Sunderland.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The same situation applies to 34-year-old Van Dijk, who would ideally receive rest in these types of matches. Fortunately, the experienced defender remains reliable and again demonstrated his importance by netting the decisive goal midweek.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Left-back represents one defensive position where Liverpool possess adequate cover. Andy Robertson got the nod on Wednesday, delivering an impressive performance upon returning to the starting eleven, but Kerkez is anticipated to feature.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Similar to the center-backs ahead of him, Gravenberch won't receive any respite. Endo's setback leaves him as the club's sole defensive midfielder, making him indispensable for selection.
DM: Curtis Jones—Alexis Mac Allister delivered one of his better displays this season at Sunderland—admittedly a low bar—but Jones is expected to start from the beginning against Brighton.
RW: Dominik Szoboszlai—Liverpool secured victory without their key player on Wednesday and will gladly welcome his return. While Szoboszlai could fill at least four different positions at Anfield, he might be utilized as Mohamed Salah's substitute on the right flank.
AM: Florian Wirtz—There may be inclination to rest the increasingly vital Wirtz, with Szoboszlai shifting centrally if Slot chooses to bench the German. Nevertheless, considering Liverpool's creative difficulties without their new orchestrator, they might not have the luxury of dropping him.
LW: Federico Chiesa—Chiesa has succeeded Darwin Núñez as Liverpool's agent of unpredictability, and Slot will hope the Italian can unlock a faltering Brighton defense with his dynamism.
ST: Cody Gakpo—With Isak unavailable, Hugo Ekitiké has been heavily utilized recently. For this particular match, the Frenchman might be replaced by the struggling Gakpo in the striker role.