FA Cup fourth round: Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion
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FA Cup Fourth Round: Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion
Liverpool hosted Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on February 14, 2026, in the FA Cup fourth round, aiming to advance under manager Arne Slot amid a challenging season. The Reds, eight-time winners, entered seeking domestic silverware after their Premier League title defense faltered. They progressed past Barnsley 4-1 in the third round and arrived boosted by a 1-0 midweek Premier League victory at Sunderland, where Virgil van Dijk scored a 61st-minute header from a Mohamed Salah corner, ending the Black Cats' 12-game home unbeaten streak.[1][4]
Liverpool's recent form showed inconsistency: two wins, one draw, and two defeats post-Barnsley. Historically vulnerable at this stage—eliminated in six of nine recent fourth-round ties, including last season's loss to Plymouth—they eyed the FA Cup and Champions League as trophy paths.[1]
Brighton, buoyed by Mats Wieffer's return from a toe injury, missed Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, Solly March, and Yasin Ayari (shoulder rehab).[1][3] Veteran James Milner eyed a start against his former club. Recent head-to-heads favored Liverpool slightly: 2-0 win in December 2025 Premier League, but Brighton triumphed 3-2 in May 2025.[2]
| Recent Form (Last 5 Games) | Liverpool | Brighton |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | W 1-0 (SUN A), L 1-2 (MCI H), W 4-1 (NEW H), W 6-0 (FKQ H), L 2-3 (BOU A)[3] | |
| Brighton | L 0-1 (AVL A), L 0-1 (CRY H), D 1-1 (EVE H), L 1-2 (FUL A), D 1-1 (BOU H)[3] |
Odds favored Liverpool (-198 to win, Brighton +436), with over/under 3.5 goals at +102/-136. Key players included Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai (1 goal), Alexis Mac Allister (2 assists), and Brighton's Danny Welbeck (1 goal), Brendan Gruda (1 goal, 1 assist).[2][3] The match promised intensity, with Liverpool targeting progression and Brighton eyeing an upset.[5]
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