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Liverpool have confirmed their starting XI for tonight’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion, and there are four notable changes as the Reds prepare for another high-stakes night at Anfield.
With silverware firmly in sight, squad rotation was always expected. But this is not just rotation for the sake of it. The selected team shows clear intent. It blends experience, creativity, and attacking power as Liverpool aim to take another step forward in the FA Cup.
Four Changes as Liverpool Shuffle the Pack
Liverpool make four changes for this crucial FA Cup clash. The headline news is the return of Dominik Szoboszlai from suspension, while Milos Kerkez is restored in defence. Federico Chiesa and Curtis Jones also come into the starting XI.
This feels like a carefully balanced side. There is enough freshness to keep the tempo high, but also enough experience to handle Brighton’s technical style. Cup football is rarely straightforward. The adjustments suggest Liverpool are taking nothing for granted.
Confirmed Liverpool Starting XI
Here is how Liverpool line up tonight:
Alisson
Van Dijk
Konate
Kerkez
Wirtz
Szoboszlai
Mac Allister
Salah
Chiesa
Jones
Gakpo
It is a strong, attacking line-up that signals ambition.
Szoboszlai Returns to Boost Midfield Energy
The return of is a major plus. His suspension meant Liverpool missed his forward drive and ability to break lines from midfield.
Szoboszlai brings:
- Aggressive pressing
- Late runs into the box
- Long-range shooting threat
- Set-piece quality
In a cup tie where margins can be tight, that combination matters. His energy also allows Liverpool to control transitions better, which will be crucial against Brighton’s quick passing game.
Kerkez Restored in Defence
Milos Kerkez comes back into the defensive unit. His inclusion suggests Liverpool want more width and forward movement from the full-back areas.
Kerkez offers:
- Strong overlapping runs
- Aggressive one-on-one defending
- Direct ball progression down the flank
Against a Brighton side that likes to stretch the pitch, defensive discipline will be key. But Kerkez also gives Liverpool another attacking outlet, which can help pin Brighton back.
Chiesa Gets His Chance on the Wing
One of the most intriguing selections is in the starting XI. Chiesa brings unpredictability. He is sharp in tight spaces, quick over short distances, and fearless in one-v-one situations. In cup football, a player willing to take risks can change the game in seconds.
With Mohamed Salah on the opposite side, Liverpool’s wing play looks dangerous. Brighton will have to stay compact, because giving either winger space could be costly.
Curtis Jones Starts at Anfield
gets the nod in midfield. Jones has developed into a composed and intelligent presence in big games.
His strengths include:
- Ball retention under pressure
- Smart positioning between lines
- Calm decision making in the final third
At Anfield, Jones often looks at home. His understanding of the rhythm of cup matches, especially in front of the home crowd, can help Liverpool settle quickly.
The Spine of the Team Remains Strong
While there are changes, the core of the side remains solid.
Alisson in Goal
starts between the posts. In knockout football, having an elite goalkeeper is priceless. One save can define a round.
Van Dijk and Konate at the Back
The central defensive pairing of and gives Liverpool physical dominance and aerial strength. Brighton move the ball well, but they will have to work hard to break through this partnership.
Mac Allister Faces His Former Club
lines up against his former club. He understands Brighton’s patterns, their build-up structure, and how they like to control possession. That insight could prove valuable, especially in midfield battles.
Salah and Gakpo Lead the Attack
Of course, Liverpool’s threat would not be complete without . Salah’s consistency in cup competitions has been remarkable over the years. Whether it is creating space, finishing chances, or drawing defenders out of position, he remains Liverpool’s most decisive attacker.
Alongside him, Cody Gakpo provides flexibility. He can drift wide, drop deep, or operate centrally. That movement makes it harder for defenders to settle. Together with Chiesa, Liverpool’s front line looks dynamic and unpredictable.
Substitutes: Strong Options on the Bench
Liverpool’s bench also offers serious quality: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Ekitike, Robertson, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Ramsay, Morrison, Ngumoha.
There is defensive cover, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower available if needed. Cup ties often turn in the final 30 minutes, and having options like Joe Gomez and Andrew Robertson ready to come on can shift momentum. It is a reminder that Liverpool’s squad depth remains a major asset.
What This Means for the FA Cup Campaign
The Emirates FA Cup is not just another competition. It carries history, prestige, and the chance for unforgettable moments. By naming such a strong line-up, Liverpool show that they are serious about progressing. Rotation has been managed carefully, but the message is clear. This is a team built to win tonight.
Brighton are no easy opponent. They are organized, technical, and confident in possession. But at Anfield, under the lights, with this blend of creativity and experience, Liverpool will believe they have the tools to control the game.
Final Thoughts: Intent, Balance, and Belief
This confirmed Liverpool line-up against Brighton & Hove Albion tells a story. It is about balance between control and creativity. It is about rewarding returning players like Szoboszlai. It is about giving opportunities to Chiesa and Jones while maintaining a strong spine through Van Dijk, Mac Allister, Salah, and Alisson.
Most importantly, it reflects belief in the squad’s depth and quality. Now it comes down to execution. If Liverpool can match intensity with precision, this could be another memorable FA Cup night at Anfield.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com