Chelsea Starting XI vs Everton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Liverpool v Brighton team news and selection focus

Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon to face Brighton with renewed attention on squad harmony and selection calls under Arne Slot. Fresh talks on Friday have opened the door for Mohamed Salah to be involved once more, ending a brief but intense period of uncertainty that followed events at Elland Road earlier this week.

Salah was omitted from the Champions League victory over Inter Milan in midweek after an extraordinary outburst following the dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds. Left as an unused substitute in that Premier League fixture, the forward later spoke to reporters and claimed that he was being made a scapegoat for Liverpool’s struggles and had been “thrown under the bus” amid a breakdown in his relationship with Slot.

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Slot declined to confirm at his pre-match press conference whether Salah would feature against Brighton, stressing that further dialogue was required. Those discussions have since taken place, and it is now understood that the Egypt international will be named in the matchday squad, allowing him to bid at least a temporary farewell to supporters before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Salah return boosts Liverpool options

While Salah’s availability offers a lift, a starting place is far from guaranteed. Slot may opt for continuity in attack, particularly with Cody Gakpo sidelined by a muscle injury. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike have impressed as a developing partnership, and that pairing could be retained if Slot prioritises stability against Brighton’s organised approach.

There is some concern over Isak, who picked up a knock in the first half against Inter. Slot suggested the striker may not be able to start, though the fact he completed 68 minutes at the San Siro points towards a minor issue rather than a serious problem.

Midfield competition intensifies at Anfield

Further back, Florian Wirtz is pressing hard for a recall after winning the decisive penalty off the bench in Italy. The German playmaker could come into a diamond midfield, potentially replacing Curtis Jones alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

At left back, Slot faces a tactical call. Milos Kerkez offers greater attacking thrust and may be preferred to Andy Robertson, particularly against a Brighton side comfortable in possession. On the opposite flank, Joe Gomez is set to continue at right back. Jeremie Frimpong is nearing a return after six weeks out with a hamstring injury but remains unlikely to start, while Conor Bradley is suspended after collecting a fifth booking on his comeback against Leeds.

Squad availability and predicted Liverpool XI

Federico Chiesa is back in contention following illness, but Wataru Endo is facing several weeks out with an ankle issue and Giovanni Leoni remains a long-term absentee.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Isak, Ekitike.Injured: Gakpo, Endo, Leoni.Doubts: Frimpong, Isak.Suspended: Bradley.

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday December 13, 2025.Venue: Anfield.