Liverpool vs Brighton: FA Cup Fourth Round – Date, Time & Venue
- Anfield will host a compelling FA Cup Fourth Round clash on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, as Liverpool welcome Brighton & Hove Albion.
- Liverpool’s path to this stage saw a comfortable victory over Barnsley in the third round.
- The injury to Wataru Endo, sustained during the Sunderland match, is a significant blow.
Anfield will host a compelling FA Cup Fourth Round clash on , as Liverpool welcome Brighton & Hove Albion. The match, scheduled for an 8:00 PM GMT kickoff, pits a Liverpool side seeking FA Cup glory against a Brighton team battling a recent slump in form.
Liverpool’s Mixed Fortunes
Liverpool’s path to this stage saw a comfortable victory over Barnsley in the third round. However, their recent results have been inconsistent. While a dominant 6-0 rout of Qarabag in the Champions League showcased their attacking prowess, defeats against Manchester City and Bournemouth have exposed vulnerabilities. A midweek Premier League win at Sunderland – the first team to achieve that feat at the Stadium of Light this season – provided a much-needed boost, but the victory came at a cost.
The injury to Wataru Endo, sustained during the Sunderland match, is a significant blow. Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, confirmed that Endo will be sidelined for a “quite a long time,” impacting options in both midfield and defense. The extent of the injury underscores the physical demands of the season and the challenges of maintaining squad depth.
Brighton’s Struggles and Managerial Change
Brighton’s season has taken a downturn, with only two wins in their last fifteen matches across all competitions. This dip in form led to the recent sacking of manager Thomas Frank, leaving Fabian Hurzeler under scrutiny to turn the Seagulls’ fortunes around. The managerial change adds an extra layer of intrigue to this FA Cup tie, as Hurzeler seeks to instill a new sense of direction and motivation within the squad.
The contrast in recent form highlights the differing trajectories of the two clubs. Liverpool, despite their inconsistencies, remain a formidable force, particularly at Anfield. Brighton, meanwhile, are grappling with a crisis of confidence and a need to rediscover their early-season spark.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
For UK viewers, the match will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 7:00 PM GMT. Live streaming will also be available via the Discovery+ app and website. Fans can also follow the action through a live blog on Standard Sport.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Beyond Endo’s injury, Liverpool’s team news remains relatively stable. The expected Liverpool XI features Alisson in goal, a defensive line of Van Dijk and Konate, with Kerkez completing the back four. Szoboszlai, Wirtz, MacAllister, Salah, Chiesa, Jones, and Gakpo are expected to form a dynamic attacking lineup.
Brighton’s lineup is anticipated to include Steele in goal, with Dunk and Van Hecke anchoring the defense. Hinshelwood, Baleba, Kostoulas, Kadioglu, Gomez, Gross, Veltman, and Howell are likely to feature in midfield and attack. The team will be looking to find a winning formula under their new manager.
Key Talking Points: Liverpool’s Right-Back Conundrum
Liverpool are currently facing a challenge at right-back, with both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley unavailable due to injury. Bradley’s season is over due to his injury. Dominik Szoboszlai filled in at right-back during the recent trip to Sunderland, but his suspension for this match means another solution is needed. The situation highlights the importance of squad depth and the potential for tactical adjustments.
The FA Cup represents an opportunity for both teams to secure silverware and boost morale. For Liverpool, it’s a chance to add to their trophy cabinet and build momentum for the remainder of the season. For Brighton, a strong cup run could provide a much-needed lift and help them regain their Premier League form. The match at Anfield promises to be a captivating encounter, with both sides eager to progress to the next round.
The pressure is particularly on Brighton to deliver a positive performance, both to alleviate the concerns surrounding their recent form and to provide a positive start to the Hurzeler era. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
