Liverpool and Brighton Face Tough Match with Many Injured Players

Liverpool and Brighton are playing a football match soon. Both teams have many players who are injured. This means the game might be difficult for both sides.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

A significant match between Liverpool and Brighton is on the horizon, with implications for league standings and team dynamics. Both sides have seen varied results leading up to this fixture, and persistent injury issues are shaping team selections. The outcome could hinge on which team better manages its available resources and overcomes the absence of key players.

The tension surrounding this encounter is palpable, as both Liverpool and Brighton are in periods where consistency is a desired, yet sometimes elusive, commodity. Liverpool, in particular, has shown unpredictable form, making their approach to this match a subject of much discussion. Brighton, while also experiencing a less linear path this season, faces its own set of challenges, notably concerning player availability. The historical head-to-head record between these two teams indicates a close competition, with recent matches suggesting a slight edge for Brighton.

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Liverpool XI vs Brighton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup - 1

Team News and Injury Landscape

The health of players is a primary concern for both managerial teams. Liverpool is facing the distinct possibility of being without Wataru Endo, who was reportedly stretchered off the field in agony during a previous match. The specifics of his injury remain under observation. Adding to Liverpool's concerns, Dominik Szoboszlai is serving a one-match suspension following a red card. Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker are also sidelined, with no immediate return date forecast before the November international break. Harvey Elliott's situation is similarly uncertain, with his presence on the field fluctuating due to recurring injury issues.

Brighton, on the other hand, has a list of unavailable players including Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari, Adam Webster, Mats Wieffer, Solly March, and Stefanos Tzimas, all due to injuries. The team is also managing the recovery of players like Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are also listed as unavailable for Liverpool, alongside Stefan Bajcetic.

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PlayerTeamInjury/StatusExpected Return Date
Wataru EndoLiverpoolHip/PelvisFebruary 14
Dominik SzoboszlaiLiverpoolSuspendedFebruary 14
Diogo JotaLiverpoolSidelinedPost November Break
Alisson BeckerLiverpoolSidelinedPost November Break
Harvey ElliottLiverpoolRecurring InjuryUnknown
Conor BradleyLiverpoolInjuryUnknown
Giovanni LeoniLiverpoolInjuryUnknown
Stefan BajceticLiverpoolInjuryUnknown
Carlos BalebaBrightonInjuryUnknown
Yasin AyariBrightonInjuryUnknown
Adam WebsterBrightonInjuryUnknown
Mats WiefferBrightonInjuryUnknown
Solly MarchBrightonInjuryUnknown
Stefanos TzimasBrightonInjuryUnknown
Jeremie FrimpongBrightonInjuryPotentially vs. Forest
Alexander IsakBrightonInjuryUnknown

Note: Return dates are subject to change based on player recovery.

Recent Encounters and Form

The history between Liverpool and Brighton reveals a competitive spirit. In a previous FA Cup tie on January 29, 2023, Brighton defeated Liverpool 2-1 at home, with Kaoru Mitoma scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time. This match marked Liverpool's exit from the competition. Earlier in the same month, Brighton also secured a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in a Premier League fixture. However, more recent Premier League encounters show Liverpool securing a 2-0 win on December 12, 2025, and a 3-2 victory on November 2, 2024. Another Premier League fixture on December 13, 2025, saw Liverpool edge Brighton 2-1.

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Managerial Perspectives and Team Strategies

Reports indicate that Liverpool's manager, Slot, has expressed concerns about player availability. His comments regarding Frimpong's injury suggest a prolonged absence, though a more positive outlook was shared previously regarding the severity of his issue. The team has seen shifts in strategy, with Wataru Endo being deployed at right-back in the absence of other options, indicating a need for tactical flexibility due to personnel limitations. Liverpool has also made strategic lineup changes, bringing back key players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Alexis Mac Allister for important fixtures.

Brighton's form has been described as "rather more linear" than Liverpool's, suggesting a degree of predictability in their performances. However, they too are navigating a complex injury list that influences their tactical approach.

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Player Availability and Lineup Considerations

The confirmed lineups for recent matches offer insights into how teams are adapting. For a match on November 2, 2024, Liverpool’s starting lineup included Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Alexis Mac Allister, with Virgil van Dijk also featuring. Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, and Harvey Elliott were sidelined. Substitutes included Jaros, Gomez, Endo, Diaz, Jones, Robertson, Quansah, Morton, and Bradley.

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A confirmed lineup for December 13, 2025, featured Liverpool making two changes, with Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz coming into the side. Alexander Isak and Andy Robertson were noted as changes, and Mohamed Salah was listed as a substitute. The lineup was: Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Ekitike, Gravenberch. Substitutes included Mamardashvili, Woodman, Isak, Salah, Chiesa, Robertson, Ramsay, Ngumoha, and Lucky.

Expert Analysis and Predictions

Predictions for the upcoming Liverpool vs. Brighton match vary. One analysis suggests a 2-1 victory for Liverpool, acknowledging the difficulty in predicting Liverpool's performance on any given day. Another prediction forecasts a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Liverpool as well. The match is scheduled to take place at Anfield on Saturday, December 13th, at 15:00 GMT.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The fixture between Liverpool and Brighton presents a compelling scenario, characterized by tactical considerations and significant injury concerns for both clubs. Liverpool's unpredictable form, coupled with key absences, means their strategy will be closely scrutinized. Brighton, while potentially more consistent, is also battling a substantial number of unavailable players. The historical data suggests a closely contested match, with recent outcomes favoring Liverpool in league play, though Brighton has demonstrated their ability to secure vital wins in cup competitions. The tactical decisions made by the managers in response to player availability will likely be decisive in determining the final result.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the match between Liverpool and Brighton?
The match is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th. It starts at 3:00 PM GMT.
Q: Why is this match important?
It is important for the league standings. Both teams want to win to improve their position.
Q: Are many players hurt?
Yes, both Liverpool and Brighton have several players who are injured or suspended. This will affect how they play.
Q: Who might miss the game for Liverpool?
Liverpool might be missing players like Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Diogo Jota, and Alisson Becker.
Q: Who might miss the game for Brighton?
Brighton has injuries for players such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Webster, and Solly March.