There is no disguising it now: the Premier League title has slipped from Liverpool’s grasp. But at Anfield this weekend, none of that matters. The FA Cup is back in town, Brighton & Hove Albion are the visitors, and Arne Slot’s side know this competition may represent their clearest route to silverware.
Liverpool have lifted the famous old trophy eight times. The most recent came in 2022, when they edged Chelsea on penalties under Jürgen Klopp. Sixteen years they had waited for that triumph. They will not want another long drought.
And with Manchester United already dumped out and the usual unpredictability swirling around the fourth round, opportunity knocks.
Form guide: Unpredictable Reds, dangerous Seagulls
Slot’s men have been maddeningly inconsistent in the Premier League. One win in seven at one stage told its own story. Yet Europe has offered relief high-scoring victories over Marseille and Qarabağ, showing what this squad can do when the handbrake comes off.
Midweek brought a 1-0 win at Sunderland, a result that steadied nerves and underlined that, even when not fluent, this side can grind out victories. That resilience will be required again.
Brighton, meanwhile, arrive with their own inconsistencies. They knocked Manchester United out at Old Trafford in the third round and followed it up with a creditable draw at Manchester City. They are not intimidated by reputation. But one win in seven across all competitions suggests fragility.
This is a capable side. Not a naïve one.
A Realistic Target
Slot has spoken openly about viewing the FA Cup as a realistic trophy target. That mindset matters. It means this is unlikely to be treated as a distraction.
In his pre match press conference he stated: “We have 3 clear priorities, FA Cup, CL qualification and CL. We are also aware of the limited options so the load management is important”
Liverpool’s squad depth allows for rotation without surrendering quality. Younger players may feature, but the spine of the side is expected to remain strong particularly given there is no midweek fixture immediately after.
Injury concerns complicate matters. Wataru Endo’s ankle problem adds to a list that has already tested the manager’s options. But Liverpool still boast match-winners.
Mohamed Salah remains the creative talisman despite recent noise surrounding him. Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as the club’s leading scorer across all competitions. Their partnership is developing rhythm at the right time.
And then there is Virgil van Dijk. A defensive organizer, a set-piece weapon, and a captain who understands the stakes of knockout football.
Brighton’s threat cannot be dismissed
It would be lazy to frame Brighton purely as underdogs. They have reached the FA Cup semi-finals four times. They have beaten elite opposition this season.
Arne Slot on Brighton : There are a lot of comparisons between Brighton and us. They absolutely don’t deserve to be in the position they are in. They deserve so much more than they have.
Danny Welbeck provides experience and movement. Yankuba Minteh offers direct running. Kaoru Mitoma carries that unpredictable edge capable of unlocking even disciplined back lines. At the back, Lewis Dunk and Jan-Paul van Hecke form a reliable pairing.
Brighton will press. They will attempt to control possession. And they will not park the bus.
That could suit Liverpool.
Brighton’s willingness to build from the back and commit bodies forward can leave spaces in transition. Liverpool, at their most ruthless, feast on those moments.
The Takeaway
Expect intensity early. Expect pressing duels. And expect the importance of dead-ball situations to loom large. There is something different about a home FA Cup tie under the lights.
The league campaign may have drifted. But cup football offers clarity win and move closer to Wembley, lose and the door slams shut.
Slot knows that. The players know that.
And Brighton know they must be near perfect to silence this stadium.
The FA Cup has always been about narratives – giant-killings, late drama, heroes carved from single moments.
Liverpool have the quality. Brighton have the ambition.
On Saturday, only one continues the journey.
