Liverpool will aim to maintain their pursuit of domestic honours as they welcome Brighton to Anfield for a challenging FA Cup fourth-round encounter this weekend. The eight-time FA Cup champions enter this match following a notable midweek victory over Sunderland, becoming the first team this season to defeat the Black Cats at their home ground, the Stadium of Light.
Brighton's Struggles and Upset Potential
In contrast, Brighton have been grappling with inconsistent form, placing manager Fabian Hurzeler under mounting pressure. The Seagulls face a daunting task to eliminate Liverpool on their own turf, but they have previously demonstrated their capability for cup upsets, having famously ousted Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round of this competition.
Match Details and Broadcasting Information
The highly anticipated fixture is scheduled to commence at 8pm GMT on Saturday, 14 February, at Liverpool's iconic Anfield stadium. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with comprehensive coverage beginning at 7pm. Subscribers can also access a live stream of the game via the discovery+ platform, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the action.
Team News and Injury Updates
Liverpool's defensive woes have deepened with Wataru Endo sustaining a suspected season-ending foot injury during Wednesday's match, exacerbating an existing right-back crisis that already sidelines Conor Bradley and Jeremy Frimpong. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start as Arne Slot's preferred cup keeper, while the Reds' manager has indicated potential rotations that could involve promising youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni. In a positive development, midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai returns from suspension, bolstering Liverpool's options.
Brighton receive a boost with Mats Wieffer recovering from a toe issue, but they continue to miss key players Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, Solly March, and Yasin Ayari due to injuries. Veteran midfielder James Milner may be granted a rare starting opportunity against his former club, adding an intriguing subplot to the contest.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Chiesa.
Brighton XI: Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper; Milner, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.
This FA Cup tie promises to be a captivating battle as Liverpool seek to advance in their quest for silverware, while Brighton aim to replicate their giant-killing heroics from earlier in the tournament. With both teams facing selection dilemmas and injury concerns, the outcome could hinge on tactical decisions and individual performances on the night.
