Arne Slot faces a defining decision ahead of Liverpool vs Brighton: **Does he recall Mohamed Salah, or stick with the "four-midfielder" system that dismantled Inter Milan?**
With Salah’s future in doubt and Conor Bradley suspended, the Reds will be forced into defensive changes at Anfield. Joe Gomez is the logical replacement at right-back, though Dominik Szoboszlai offers a versatile option if Slot decides to push Milos Kerkez further forward.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Brighton 2025
Jeremie Frimpong remains out with a hamstring injury, though reports suggest he could make the bench. As confirmed, Conor Bradley serves a one-game suspension, while Giovanni Leoni remains a long-term absentee (ACL).
For a full breakdown of every absentee and their expected return, check our [Liverpool FC Injury List & Suspensions Tracker](https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-fc-injury-list/).
**The Defence:** With Bradley suspended, **Joe Gomez** is the frontrunner to start. If he isn't fit for 90 minutes, expect Szoboszlai to drift into a hybrid wing-back role, allowing Wataru Endo to slot into the midfield engine room.
**The Attack: Isak or Ekitiké?** Arne Slot is unlikely to change the winning formula from Milan. The partnership between **Alexander Isak** and **Hugo Ekitiké** is blossoming, and they need minutes together.
**The Salah Question** Unless Slot offers an olive branch, expect Salah to start on the bench. If he _does_ start, Isak would likely drop out, but the current momentum suggests the Egyptian King will be an impact sub.
Liverpool 2-0 Brighton