Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon amidst a crisis on and off the pitch.
They host Brighton & Hove Albion in a crucial league encounter. Arne Slot’s title defence is effectively in tatters. The Reds have collected just 23 points from 15 games. Furthermore, they have conceded 24 goals, which is their worst start as defending champions since Leicester City in 2016-17.
While they managed a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League midweek, domestic form has been wretched. Currently, the team is languishing in mid-table. They face a Brighton side that has kept clean sheets in their last two away league matches. However, the Seagulls typically struggle in December. They have failed to win any of their last eight Premier League games during the festive month.
Liverpool vs Brighton – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Referee: Craig Pawson
- VAR: Darren England
- Last Meeting: Brighton 3-2 Liverpool, 19 May 2025, Premier League
Team News
Liverpool
The build-up to this match has been dominated by the standoff between Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian was left out of the squad for the trip to Milan following critical comments. However, Slot confirmed he would hold a decisive conversation to determine if the forward returns. In injury news, Cody Gakpo and Wataru Endō are ruled out for several weeks. Conversely, Federico Chiesa has recovered from illness and trained fully. Alexander Isak picked up a knock against Inter but could still start.
Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler has been boosted by the return of four key players. Kaoru Mitoma has overcome a pain issue and trained well. This makes him an option alongside veteran James Milner, Tommy Watson, and Yasin Ayari. With these returns, Hürzeler admitted he faces difficult decisions on who to leave out. However, Jan Paul van Hecke is a guaranteed starter in defence.
Form
Liverpool
Liverpool’s defensive fragility has been alarming. They have conceded 48 league goals in 2025. This nears the unwanted milestone of shipping 50+ goals in a calendar year. Furthermore, their attack has been sluggish out of the blocks. The Reds have failed to score in the first half of their last five league games. Despite their struggles, Anfield remains a difficult venue for Brighton. The Seagulls have lost just one of their eight Premier League visits here.
Brighton
Brighton beat Liverpool 3-2 in their last meeting in May. However, they have never achieved consecutive league wins over the Reds. Their recent away form is built on solid foundations. They have kept back-to-back clean sheets on the road for the first time since 2020. Key to their play is Jan Paul van Hecke. He has made more line-breaking passes than any other player in the Premier League this season.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Brighton & Hove Albion predicted XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadıoğlu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck
How to watch Liverpool vs Brighton?
This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the 15:00 GMT Saturday blackout. Highlights will be available on BBC’s Match of the Day.
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