Liverpool Line Up Confirmed for Brighton FA Cup Clash
Liverpool’s team news always carries a particular weight at this stage of the season, when cup football sharpens focus and squad depth begins to shape narrative. For the FA Cup fourth round tie at Anfield, Arne Slot has opted for four changes, a decision that reflects both rotation and opportunity as Liverpool pursue progress on multiple fronts.
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Brighton arrive as familiar Premier League opposition, technically assured and tactically flexible, which makes team selection all the more significant. Slot’s choices feel deliberate, aimed at maintaining rhythm while offering fresh attacking impetus.
Chiesa Given Rare Opportunity to Lead Attack
Federico Chiesa is handed a rare start for the Reds. The Italian is set to spearhead the attack, replacing Hugo Ekitike from the 1-0 win over Sunderland earlier in the week.
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For Liverpool, Chiesa’s inclusion alters the texture of the forward line. His direct running and instinct to attack space offers a different focal point, particularly useful in cup ties where control can quickly give way to chaos. It also signals Slot’s willingness to trust rotation players in decisive fixtures, rather than preserving them purely for league minutes.
Behind him, the creative framework remains strong. Mohamed Salah retains his place, while Florian Wirtz continues in an advanced role that has increasingly linked midfield craft with attacking incision.
Midfield Returns Shape Liverpool Structure
Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai returns from suspension and comes in for Ryan Gravenberch.
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Szoboszlai’s reintroduction restores vertical drive in Liverpool’s midfield. His ability to carry possession through pressure and arrive late in attacking areas adds a layer of unpredictability. Alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool possess both control and progression, key traits against a Brighton side comfortable in possession.
Defensive Adjustments and Ramsay Call
At right-back, the injured Wataru Endo is replaced by another midfielder in Curtis Jones rather than Calvin Ramsay coming into the line-up.
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Jones stepping into defence underlines Slot’s tactical flexibility. Comfortable on the ball and positionally intelligent, he offers inverted movement that can bolster midfield build up.
On the opposite side of defence, Milos Kerkez is back as he comes in for Andy Roberson.
Kerkez’s return injects athleticism on the left, his forward surges capable of stretching Brighton’s defensive shape. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate anchoring central defence, Liverpool retain physical authority at the back.
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Liverpool Eye Fifth Round Progress
A win for Liverpool against Premier League rivals Brighton will see them move into the fifth round of the competition.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Chiesa.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Ekitike, Robertson, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha.
