The Saturday slate of FA Cup fixtures reaches its peak at Anfield, as Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in a primetime all-Premier League tie.
The Reds come into this clash having edged past Sunderland 1-0 in midweek—a functional rather than spectacular win that kept their momentum ticking over.
However, with the Premier League title race drifting out of reach and the Champions League looming, Arne Slot is expected to shuffle his pack, prioritising fresh legs over rhythm.
For Brighton, the narrative is that this game is much more important.
Following a limp 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday, manager Fabian Hurzeler has been installed as the clear favourite in the Premier League sack race.
With reports suggesting Kjetil Knutsen is already the frontrunner in the next Brighton manager odds, this trip to Anfield feels like an important moment for the embattled German coach.
They need a performance, and they need it now.
Here is the full preview, including our best bets, predicted lineups, and correct score prediction.
Liverpool vs Brighton Best Bets and Betting Tips
Brighton (+1.0 Asian Handicap) –Â 21/20
While Liverpool are the natural favourites at Anfield, the context of this fixture makes the +1.0 handicap on the visitors highly appealing.
Arne Slot is expected to rotate his squad to preserve senior stars, and as we have seen throughout this campaign, Liverpool’s “second string” lacks the defensive cohesion of the primary XI.
This season, the Reds have lacked their usual control, dropping points to the likes of Bournemouth and struggling to keep clean sheets against mid-table opposition.
Brighton, despite their miserable league form, have saved their best performances for the big occasion, evidenced by their Third Round win over Manchester United.
With Hurzeler fighting the sack, expect a high-intensity “cup final” mentality from the Seagulls.
If they can weather the early Anfield storm, they have more than enough quality to keep this within a one-goal margin or even snatch a draw, making the 21/20 price for a Brighton win/draw (with a stake back if they lose by exactly one) the value play.
Diego Gomez to be Carded – 3/1
Operating in the high-traffic area of attacking midfield, Diego Gomez is a prime candidate for a booking in a game of this magnitude.
While he provides the creative spark for Brighton, his disciplinary record—averaging 0.35 cards per 90 minutes—highlights a combative and often frustrated edge to his game.
In a match where Brighton are likely to spend long periods without the ball, Gomez will be tasked with leading the press and disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm.
His tendency to commit “tactical fouls” to prevent counter-attacks, combined with the likelihood of him being drawn into physical duels with Liverpool’s deep-lying playmakers, makes the 3/1 price tag very generous.
In a high-pressure cup environment under the lights, Gomez’s aggressive style often leads to him falling foul of the referee’s notebook.
Both Teams To Score – 8/13
The statistical case for goals at both ends is overwhelming.
Liverpool have been defensively fragile for much of the 2025/26 season, keeping just one clean sheet in their last six games against Premier League opposition.
At Anfield, their high defensive line remains susceptible to quick transitions, especially when the back four is shuffled to accommodate squad players.
Brighton’s defensive metrics are even more concerning; the Seagulls have now conceded in six straight matches across all competitions.
This prolonged inability to keep a clean sheet, combined with Hurzeler’s “attack-first” tactical setup, essentially guarantees chances for the hosts.
With Liverpool’s own backline looking far from settled, the 8/13 price for both teams to find the net reflects a game that is almost certain to be open and high-scoring.
Key Stats & Trends
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Six of the Best: Brighton have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last six competitive fixtures.
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Leaky Reds: Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last five Premier League games.
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Gomez’s Discipline: Diego Gomez averages 0.35 cards per 90 minutes and has been booked in two of his last three starts against “Big Six” opposition.
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Anfield BTTS: Both teams have scored in 7 of Liverpool’s last 8 FA Cup matches at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Brighton Confirmed Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Alisson
DEF:Â Szobaszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez
MID: Jones, MacAllister
MID: Salah, Wirtz, Chiesa
FWD:Â Gakpo
Brighton (4-3-2-1)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Steele
DEF:Â Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu
MID: Hinshelwood, Baleba, Gross
MID: Gomez, Kostoulas
FWD:Â Howell
How to Watch Liverpool vs Brighton
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Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
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Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
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Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
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TV Channel: ITV1
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Live Stream: ITVX
Supporters outside the UK should check local broadcast listings, as coverage varies by territory.
Liverpool vs Brighton Match Winner Odds
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Liverpool: 4/7
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Draw: 7/2
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Brighton: 4/1
Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change.
Liverpool vs Brighton Correct Score Prediction
This has the makings of a chaotic, high-scoring encounter.
Liverpool’s defensive inconsistencies this season—highlighted by only one clean sheet in their last five league games—mean they are always liable to concede, especially with a rotated lineup.
Brighton, meanwhile, are in a defensive tailspin having conceded in six straight games, yet they possess the attacking tools to exploit a nervy home backline.
With the Seagulls playing for their manager’s future, expect them to take the fight to Liverpool.
The Reds’ superior depth in forward positions usually ensures they find the net multiple times at home, but their inability to shut the back door suggests a stalemate is on the cards.
A 2-2 draw reflects the potential attacking potency of both sides and their respective persistent defensive troubles.
Liverpool 2-2 Brighton (Liverpool to win on penalties)
