The Emirates FA Cup delivers another exciting clash in the fourth round as Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. This all-Premier League tie promises intensity, with the Reds aiming to advance deeper into the competition and keep their silverware hopes alive under manager Arne Slot.
Match Details
- Competition: Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
- Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT (20:00 local time in the UK; 3:00 PM ET / adjust for IST)
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
Liverpool enter as favorites, building on recent form including a solid midweek win away at Sunderland. Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, arrive after mixed results, including a recent narrow defeat, but remain a dangerous side with their possession-based style. The two teams met earlier this season in the Premier League, where Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory at Anfield.
Head-to-head in recent years shows balance, but Liverpool have dominated at home. In their last six FA Cup meetings overall, each side has won three times—no draws recorded.
Team News and Potential Lineups
Both clubs face fixture congestion, so rotation is likely. Arne Slot has emphasized finding the right balance for this cup tie, with some key players possibly rested or rotated after a busy week.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- GK: Alisson Becker
- DEF: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson
- MID: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai
- FWD: Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo
Key notes: Salah remains a major threat after strong recent performances. Slot may rotate in midfield or attack to manage fatigue, with players like Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott pushing for starts. Injuries or minor issues are being monitored, but the squad depth is strong.
Brighton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Bart Verbruggen
- DEF: Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Pervis Estupiñán
- MID: Carlos Baleba, Mats Wieffer
- AM: Simon Adingra, João Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma
- FWD: Danny Welbeck
Brighton welcome back Mats Wieffer from a toe injury, boosting their midfield. Their attack relies on pace from Mitoma and Adingra, while Welbeck offers experience up top. Fabian Hürzeler’s side often mirrors Liverpool’s style, making this a tactical battle.
Score Predictions
Liverpool’s home advantage at Anfield, combined with superior squad depth and recent momentum, makes them clear favorites. Brighton can cause problems on the counter, but the Reds’ attacking firepower should prevail.
- Most Likely: Liverpool 2-1 Brighton — A competitive game with goals, but the hosts edge it late.
- Alternative: Liverpool 3-1 Brighton — If the Reds dominate possession and convert chances early.
- Upset Possibility: 1-1 draw (leading to replay) — If Brighton frustrate and hit on breaks.
Experts and previews lean toward a Liverpool win (odds favor them heavily), with many predicting a narrow victory. Mohamed Salah could be the difference-maker once again.