Liverpool vs Brighton: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 14 February 2026
One of the marquee fixtures of the FA Cup fourth round will take place on Saturday at Anfield, where Liverpool host Brighton. Let’s break down a prediction for this cup battle, with the home side viewing the tournament as a genuine opportunity to finish the season with silverware.
Match preview
Liverpool’s season has been inconsistent, but recent weeks have brought more joy than disappointment. In the previous round of the Cup, Arne Slot’s men confidently dispatched Barnsley (4-1), and in the Premier League, they recently edged Sunderland (1-0), creating a host of chances. So far in 2026, the Reds have racked up five wins from 11 matches, including Champions League victories, proving that they remain competitive on multiple fronts.
Slot has shown he’s taking the Cup seriously: even against Barnsley, the line-up was as strong as possible. Endo’s injury, which left a gap on the right side of defense, was a blow, but Joe Gomez’s recovery has eased the pressure somewhat. At Anfield, Liverpool are traditionally dominant in the FA Cup – nine wins in their last ten home ties, and a stunning 27 goals in their previous eight games tell their own story.
Brighton have gone a month without a win, despite a dazzling Cup triumph in the last round – a 2-1 victory over Manchester United with an almost reserve squad. Since then, the Seagulls have picked up just two points from five Premier League games, drawing with Fulham and Everton, and most recently falling to Aston Villa (0-1) after conceding late. Fabian Hürzeler’s side are building a structure, but clearly struggle in the final third.
Rotation is a familiar tool for Brighton, and the coach may freshen up the line-up once again. But their lack of goals is a concern: just four in their last six league outings. At Anfield, the visitors tend to play cautiously – they’ve conceded more than two goals only once in their last eight trips, hinting at a pragmatic approach.
Probable line-ups
- Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Kerkez, Gomez, van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones, Ngumoha, Chiesa, Gakpo
- Brighton: Steele, Veltman, Dunk, Boscagli, Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Groß, Rutter, Mitoma, Welbeck
Match facts and head-to-head
- Liverpool have won nine of their last ten home FA Cup matches.
- Brighton haven’t won in a month and have scored just four goals in their last six Premier League games.
- Six of the last eight Liverpool home games against Brighton have featured no more than three goals.
Prediction
Liverpool will dominate possession and chances, but their finishing remains a question. Brighton are capable of making it a tight contest and defending with discipline, but the hosts’ depth and individual quality should make the difference. Expect a hard-fought, but ultimately deserved win for the Reds – 2-1.
