Liverpool are back at Anfield for a huge FA Cup clash with Brighton, and Arne Slot has a tricky selection call to make due to injuries, rotation needs, and recent form. After winning the Premier League in his first season, Slot is still juggling big ambitions with careful squad management — and this cup tie is another test of how he plans to use his squad.Liverpool come into the match with fresh injury worries following their 1-0 win away at Sunderland. Wataru Endo, who featured at full-back, picked up a serious injury.“We still need to assess him properly, but it’s clear and obvious he will be out for quite a long time,” Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference.“He’s a good centre-back and midfielder as well. In those areas, we’re vulnerable too if anything happens.”Endo adds to an already lengthy injury list that includes Alexander Isak, Leoni, Frimpong, and Bradley. Isak’s broken leg has left Liverpool shortof striker options, meaning Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike will have extra pressure on them.
With a packed schedule ahead, Liverpool’s injury situation could affect how strongly they go for this tie against Brighton.There is some good news, though, with Dominik Szoboszlai returning after serving a suspension that only applied in the Premier League. His availability gives Liverpool more creativity and flexibility. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch played as the midfield double pivot at Sunderland, but Curtis Jones is pushing hard for a start as Slot looks to protect his key players.Jones offers energy and sharp movement between the lines, while Mac Allister’s calmness on the ball could be vital against Brighton’s technical midfield. Liverpool are expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 system, with fluid attacking movement behind the striker aimed at pulling Brighton’s defence out of shape.
Joe Gomez’s return from injury also comes at the perfect time. He replaced Endo after 69 minutes at the Stadium of Light, and his presence could allow either Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konaté to be rested after playing heavy minutes recently. Slot has leaned heavily on that centre-back partnership, so changes feel likely.At left-back, Andy Robertson started ahead of Milos Kerkez last time out. Whether Robertson keeps his place or Kerkez comes in may depend on how Liverpool want to handle Brighton’s threat out wide. With Endo now sidelined, Liverpool’s defensive depth remains a major concern.
The predicted Liverpool XI reflects both necessity and tactical planning. Gakpo may lead the line to give Ekitike a rest, while Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa provide pace and danger from the wings. Florian Wirtz in the central attacking role would add creativity and unpredictability against Brighton’s press.Predicted Liverpool XI:Mamardashvili, Szoboszlai, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Salah, Wirtz, Chiesa, Gakpo.Kick-off is set for 8pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Anfield, with live coverage on TNT Sports. Liverpool fans will be hoping the mix of returning players and fresh options is enough to push Slot’s side into the next round against a tough Brighton team.
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