FA Cup 2022-23: Brighton vs Liverpool: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Seagulls host The Reds on Sunday in an exciting FA Cup fixture.

Brighton’s growth in the past few years has been amazing. From being a team that used to struggle in the top flight, to becoming a major force in the Premier League, Brighton have created their identity as one of the best English clubs at present.

2022-23 has been another amazing season for the seagulls. The mid-season managerial shift was handled very well by the club and its players, as a result of which Brighton are currently 6th in the Premier League, with two games less played than 5th place Tottenham.

Liverpool, have got to be handed the truth. The Reds have been truly poor this season, and as things currently stand, it is highly unlikely that we get to hear the sound of the Champions League Anthem blazing through the roofs of Anfield next season. Only a single point from their last three games, has left Jurgen Klopp and his men in a dire situation, and they need to pick themselves up just in time, if they intend on playing European football next season.

Amidst all this Premier League pressure, Liverpool are overhauled with another tough challenge ahead of them, as they are set to battle it out against Zerbi’s men, in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Having already handed Liverpool a 3-0 defeat at the same venue earlier this month, Brighton would be very confident going into this game, whereas Klopp’s men will look for vengeance for their past sufferings.

Kick-off:

Sunday, 29 January; 7:00 pm (IST)Monday, 30 January; 1:30 pm (GMT)

Brighton form (all competition): D-W-W-W-L-W

Liverpool form (all competition): D-W-L-D-L-W

Players to watch

Brighton

Kaoru Mitoma

Mitoma has gained serious media attention in the past few weeks. Particularly because of his incredible story of how he turned down a professional contract so that he could go to University. But this isn’t the sole reeason for his recognition. Mitoma has also been pulling strings for Brighton this season. In his first season in the Premier League, the Japanese has made his mark, and is now certainly one of Brighton’s most important players.

Mitoma’s extraordinary performance against Liverpool just a few weeks ago gives enough reason for us to believe that he will once again prove to be decisive and is certainly a player to keep your eyes on throughout the game.

Liverpool

Mohammed Salah

Who else but him. Salah seems to be the only player, who can guide Liverpool and save their season. Amidst all the injuries to star players, the pressure on Salah is immense, and he has not been able to perform as per expectations, and is having a relatively poor season as per his mighty standards. The Egyptian linchpin has only been able to register seven goals in the Premier League so far, and soon needs to get back into his predator persona before it’s too late.

Salah has to make a difference against Brighton, in what proves to be an important game for Liverpool, in terms of giving them their confidence back.

Match facts

• Salah needs just one goal to become the Reds’ leading scorer against Brighton. He is currently on six, level with Sir Kenny Dalglish.
• Should Salah score, he would also become Liverpool’s leading scorer away from home in the Premier League era. He is currently on 55, tied with Michael Owen.
• Brighton’s recent victory, was only the second time they defeated Liverpool.

Injury and team news

Lallana came off injured in the first half of Brighton's draw with Leicester last weekend, which has ruled him out for the clash against Liverpool. He is also joined by Jakub Moder, Levi Colwill and  Facundo Buonanotte in the list of Absentees.

A star studded contingent of Virgil van Dijk, Arthur, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino are all side-lined due to their respective injuries. Fabio Carvalho is also out of the squad for Sunday’s fixture due to an unspecified issue. We can also see Trent and Nunez make their way back into the starting 11 after being benched against Chelsea.

Head-to-head record

Matches: 14

Brighton: 2

Draws: 3

Liverpool: 9

Predicted lineup

Brighton predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gross; March, Mac Allister, Mitoma; Ferguson

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Konate, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Nunez, Elliot

Prediction

This will be another exciting and feisty fixture between two giants, and both teams will play with true intent. Klopp will devise a composite plan, but unfortunately, Zerbi’s men will outsmart Salah and co. once again, and we will see another huge blow for Liverpool, as they will be knocked out of the FA Cup.

Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Liverpool

Where to Watch?

India – Sony Liv

UK – BBC Sport and ITC Sport.

USA – ESPN

Nigeria – SuperSport.com