Liverpool vs Brighton: Gakpo Out, Mitoma Returns but Salah Involvement Uncertain

Liverpool face Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in a crucial Premier League Round 16 clash, with kick-off at 15:00 UTC. Both teams sit on 23 points—Liverpool in 10th place with a 7-2-6 record and goal difference of 0, while Brighton hold 8th at 6-5-4 and +4 GD—making this a pivotal mid-table battle amid Liverpool's faltering campaign.[1][2][6]

The headline news centers on key personnel changes. Cody Gakpo is ruled out for Liverpool, sidelining their forward who has 4 goals in 15 matches, potentially weakening their attack.[1] Meanwhile, Kaoru Mitoma returns for Brighton, boosting their options after recent absences. However, Mohamed Salah's involvement remains uncertain; the star forward, with 4 goals in 13 games, could be a game-changer if fit, but doubts linger over his status.[1]

Predicted Liverpool lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Joseph Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz; Hugo Ekitike (5 goals in 14 matches).[3] Brighton's Danny Welbeck leads their scoring with 7 goals in 15 games, supported by Jan Paul van Hecke (3 goals) and Danny Gómez (2).[1]

Recent head-to-heads show intensity: Brighton won 3-2 at home in May 2025, while Liverpool triumphed 2-1 in November 2024.[1] Referee Craig Pawson oversees the match, with live coverage across major platforms. Liverpool seek answers to their inconsistent form against a Brighton side eyeing European spots.[3][6]

Standings context: Arsenal lead with 33 points, Man City on 31; lower down, Everton have 24.[1] Community predictions favor Liverpool slightly on apps like Sofascore, but Brighton's momentum adds intrigue.[2]

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