Liverpool vs Brighton - FA Cup Live: Score, TV Channel, Chiesa and Jones Start

Liverpool hosted Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round on February 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM UTC, aiming to advance under manager Arne Slot amid a faltering Premier League title defense. With the Premier League crown slipping away, the FA Cup and Champions League represent Liverpool's primary trophy hopes this season[1][3]. The Reds advanced past Barnsley 4-1 in the third round but endured league inconsistency, posting two wins, one draw, and two losses since[1].

Team News and Lineups

Arne Slot made six changes to the lineup, starting Curtis Jones in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The confirmed Liverpool XI featured Becker in goal; defenders Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté; midfielders Curtis Jones (17), Mac Allister (10), Szoboszlai (8); forwards Cody Gakpo (18), Florian Wirtz (7), Mohamed Salah (11), and Federico Chiesa (14)[3][5]. Substitutes included Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch, and Joe Gomez[3].

Brighton, struggling under Fabian Hürzeler's scrutiny after recent losses, welcomed back Mats Wieffer from injury but missed Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, Solly March, and Yasin Ayari[1]. The Seagulls stunned Manchester United in the third round, proving upset potential[1]. Odds favored Liverpool at -198, with Brighton at +436 and over/under 3.5 goals at +102/-136[4].

Early Match Action

The game kicked off with Liverpool dominating. By the 14th minute, it stood Liverpool 0-1 Brighton? Wait, no—early incidents included a handball by Gakpo (14'), Kerkez offside (12'), and Salah's blocked shot assisted by Szoboszlai (11')[3]. No goals yet as tension builds at Anfield[2][3][7].

Context: Liverpool recently won 1-0 at Sunderland via van Dijk's header, ending their unbeaten home streak[1]. Brighton lost 1-0 at Aston Villa[4]. Other FA Cup results saw Newcastle beat Villa 3-1 and Man City dismiss Salford routinely[3].

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