Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK at Anfield on January 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)placeholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Liverpool FC and Qarabag FK at Anfield on January 28, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool team predicted to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at Anfield.
Liverpool turn their attention to the FA Cup when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield in the fourth round (20.00 GMT).
Arne Slot has admitted that he is having ‘sleepless nights’ over his potential starting line-up. The Reds boss has depleted options yet again, with Wataru Endo now sidelined for the long term after suffering an ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Sunderland.
Endo joins Jeremie Frimpong (groin), Alexander Isak (broken leg), Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (both knee), Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic (both hamstring) on the treatment table.
With Liverpool playing their third game in seven days, Slot is wary that some of his players are at risk of picking up injury. But the Reds boss will not want to write off the FA Cup given it’s only one of two competitions that can be won this season. They also face a tough opposition in Premier League rivals Brighton.
With everything in mind, here’s the Liverpool team predicted.
GK - Alisson Becker
Giorgi Mamardashvili played in the third-round win over Barnsley but Slot may want his No.1 stopper between the posts. It also would not mean the rearguard changes too much.
RB - Calvin Ramsay
Slot has been reluctant to play the 22-year-old in the league despite a crisis in the position. However, he might just feel that Ramsay could get a chance in the competition after doing well against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup earlier this season. It would be an FA Cup debut for the Scot.
CB - Joe Gomez
Liverpool’s longest-serving player is just back from injury and a 45-minute cameo might make sense to build his minutes.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Slot has constantly praised the 34-year-old’s ability to play twice per week and stay fit. It is testament to the Liverpool captain.
LB - Milos Kerkez
The Hungary international was rested against Sunderland so he could come back into the starting XI.
CM - Curtis Jones
The homegrown midfielder has surprisingly found himself out of the team in the past six games. He showed his composure off the bench against Sunderland and will have a point to prove. Jones could operate in the No.6 role and hand Ryan Gravenberch a rest.
CM - Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool luckily did not miss Szoboszlai at Sunderland because of his suspension. He should benefit from the additional rest.
RW - Mo Salah
The Egypt international’s role has changed somewhat since coming back from AFCON. Salah has not been as much of a goal threat but is working hard. However, he will be desperate to find the back of the net.
AM - Federico Chiesa
The fans’ favourite has not started a game since 27 December. Chiesa will always give his all and Slot may feel that Florian Wirtz requires a breather.
LW - Rio Ngumoha
The 17-year-old is highly regarded but understandably not been used too much. When he has played, it has often been again low blocks and featuring against a more open team like Brighton could really bring the best out of him.
ST - Cody Gakpo
Slot may be slightly concerned about the number of minutes Hugo Ekitike has played of late and he got a hamstring injury last month as a result of being overloaded.
Mamardashvili, Konate, Robertson, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Nyoni, Ekitike, Morrison.
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