Anfield sets the stage for a heavyweight FA Cup Fourth Round clash this Saturday, February 14, 2026, as Arne Slot’s Liverpool hosts Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.
The Reds are looking to use the cup as a springboard to salvage their season after a bruising 2–1 loss to Manchester City last weekend left them adrift of the Champions League spots. Brighton, meanwhile, arrives under pressure following a disappointing 1–0 defeat to rivals Crystal Palace, but the Seagulls have proven to be a persistent thorn in Liverpool's side in recent years.
Match Information
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | Emirates FA Cup (Fourth Round) |
| Date | Saturday, February 14, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET |
| Venue | Anfield, Liverpool |
| Referee | Stuart Attwell |
| TV Channel | TNT Sports 1 (UK) / ESPN+ (US) |
Liverpool: Seeking Stability
Liverpool’s season has been a rollercoaster. While they recently enjoyed a 6–0 thumping of Qarabag in Europe, their domestic form has been patchy. The absence of Dominik Szoboszlai, who picked up a red card in the closing stages of the Man City loss, forces a reshuffle in a midfield already missing Stefan Bajcetic.
Team News and Selection:
The "Wirtz" Factor: Florian Wirtz has been Liverpool’s most consistent spark, entering this tie on a significant goalscoring streak.
Injury Updates: Joe Gomez (hip) and Federico Chiesa are nearing returns and could feature on the bench. However, Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.
Strike Force: January arrival Hugo Ekitiké is expected to lead the line, looking to build on a nomination for Premier League Player of the Matchweek earlier this month.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Jones; Ekitiké.
Brighton: Hürzeler’s Youth Movement
At just 32, Fabian Hürzeler is navigating his first real "testing run" on the south coast. The Seagulls have managed only one win in their last eleven Premier League outings, sliding to 13th in the table. However, Hürzeler’s commitment to youth was evident last weekend when 17-year-old Harry Howell became the club's youngest-ever Premier League starter.
Team News and Selection:
Injury Relief: Diego Gomez and Kaoru Mitoma have returned to fitness, providing much-needed verticality to the attack.
Defensive Blows: The Seagulls will be without Jan Paul van Hecke (hamstring) and captain Lewis Dunk is under scrutiny after a dip in form. Adam Webster and Solly March remain long-term absentees.
The Record Chaser: If James Milner features, he will equal Gareth Barry's all-time Premier League appearance record of 653 games, adding a sentimental layer to his return to Anfield.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Boscagli, Igor, De Cuyper; Baleba, Wieffer, Gross; Minteh, Welbeck, Mitoma.
? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
The "Banana Skin": Liverpool has won only one of their last eight home games against Brighton across all competitions.
Previous Meeting: Liverpool secured a 2–0 win in the league back in December 2025, with Ekitiké scoring a brace.
Cup History: Brighton knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup at this exact stage in 2023 with a 2–1 victory at the Amex.
Current Form: * Liverpool: L-W-W-L-W (All Competitions)
Brighton: L-L-D-L-D (All Competitions)
Tactical Preview and Prediction
Arne Slot’s Liverpool will prioritize possession and control, looking to exploit Brighton's high defensive line with the vision of Florian Wirtz. Brighton, despite their poor form, remains "very strong" at creating chances through individual skill—specifically through Mitoma and Minteh.
The key battle will be in the midfield transition. If Liverpool’s Mac Allister can dictate the tempo against his former club, the Reds should progress. However, if Hürzeler’s side can withstand the early Anfield pressure, their knack for upsetting the "Big Six" could resurface.
Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Brighton
