Liverpool Faces Brighton Test Amid Injury Woes and FA Cup Pressure
Liverpool heads into Anfield tonight knowing that this FA Cup fourth-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion is far from a straightforward fixture. The Reds are juggling a relentless schedule, with three games in seven days testing both stamina and squad depth. Manager Arne Slot is confronting a familiar challenge—how to balance ambition with caution and how to field a side strong enough to progress without risking further injuries.
Wataru Endo’s recent foot injury has ruled him out for an extended period, adding to Liverpool’s defensive headaches. Jeremie Frimpong has been absent for weeks, while Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni remain long-term casualties. Even regulars like Joe Gomez are under scrutiny, as suspensions and yellow card risks loom. Slot described the process of finalizing the lineup as a “constant calculation,” weighing who should start and who might need rest, while also considering opportunities for younger players like Clae Ewing to step up.
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On the other side, Brighton come into this match battle-hardened in the FA Cup, despite their struggles in the Premier League. Fabian Hurzeler’s side has been winless in six league outings, yet they have consistently punched above their weight in the cup, taking down top-flight teams and advancing to the fourth round with confidence. Key players Mats Wieffer and Jan Paul van Hecke are now fit, adding some welcome stability to their backline, while long-term absentees like Solly March remain sidelined.
The stakes are high for Liverpool. Historically, the Reds have seen early FA Cup exits at this stage, including a shocking 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle last season. Victory tonight represents more than just progression—it’s a chance to salvage a season that has been challenging, while also managing priorities across the Premier League and European competition. Brighton, meanwhile, are looking to continue their cup run and prove that their league position doesn’t reflect the quality they bring to the pitch.
Tactically, this is expected to be a tense encounter. Liverpool will need to balance attack and defense carefully, while managing player fatigue. Brighton’s resilience and ability to exploit gaps could make this a tightly contested match, where set pieces, squad rotation and individual brilliance may decide the outcome.
Fans should expect intensity, strategic decisions and possibly a debut for some of Liverpool’s younger talents. This FA Cup tie is a test of depth, discipline and mental toughness and the result could set the tone for the remainder of both clubs’ seasons.
Stay with us as we follow all the live action from Anfield, bringing you analysis, updates and post-match reaction from one of England’s most prestigious competitions.
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