Liverpool vs Brighton is set for 13 Dec 2025 (15:00 UTC) at Anfield. It’s a good test for both teams. Liverpool want to turn home form into points again. Brighton arrive as a tricky opponent with a clear game plan.
Liverpool vs Brighton: Quick match setup (Anfield, table, mood)
Liverpool and Brighton are close in the early-season picture. SofaScore lists Liverpool 10th and Brighton 8th heading into kickoff.
One big storyline is Mohamed Salah’s return to the squad after talks with Arne Slot. The build-up has been loud. The football still has to be played.
Liverpool vs Brighton team news: Salah returns, key absences
Liverpool team news
Salah is back in the squad, but he may not start. Liverpool also have several issues to manage. The Standard reports Cody Gakpo is still out, along with Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni. Conor Bradley is suspended. Federico Chiesa is back after illness.
There is also a late fitness note. Alexander Isak picked up a knock in midweek versus Inter, per the same report. Watch the final team sheet.
Brighton team news
Brighton have potential boosts. The Standard says James Milner could return at his former club. Kaoru Mitoma and Yasin Ayari are also in line to feature. Brighton still have absences too, including Adam Webster (long-term) and Solly March (not ready yet).
Liverpool – Brighton: Form clues and what they suggest
Liverpool’s week had a swing in it. They were hit by a late equaliser at Leeds last weekend, then followed with a big Champions League win away at Inter. That Inter result came without Salah.
Brighton’s season has been up and down. The Standard describes them as “inconsistent.” They won away at Nottingham Forest, then took one point from two home games against Aston Villa and West Ham.
Simple read: Liverpool’s ceiling looks high. Brighton’s level changes week to week. That makes game state important here.
Liverpool vs Brighton head-to-head: recent meetings and a scoring trend
These teams have produced goals in recent seasons. ESPN’s match page shows five recent meetings with scorelines like 3-2, 2-1, 3-2, and 2-2.
The Standard also lists the all-time Premier League head-to-head as Liverpool 23 wins, Brighton 8, draws 12. That is a clear edge for the home side over time.
Liverpool vs Brighton tactical keys: where the match can turn
Key 1: Liverpool’s wide threat vs Brighton’s press
If Salah starts, Liverpool get a direct threat on the right side. Even if he comes off the bench, he can change the second half. Brighton will still press. They often try to win the ball high and attack quickly.
Key 2: The first goal
This game can look very different at 0-0 versus 1-0. If Liverpool score first, Anfield settles. If Brighton score first, Liverpool may have to chase. That can open space for counters.
Key 3: Tempo management
Liverpool want control, not chaos. Brighton want a fast, broken game. Watch the middle 20 minutes of each half. That’s often where rhythm is set.
Liverpool vs Brighton odds and picks (simple, not complicated)
The Standard lists match odds via Betfair: Liverpool 3/4, Brighton 7/2, Draw 31/10.
Lean 1: Liverpool to win (if Salah starts).
Liverpool’s talent edge is real, and Brighton’s away plan can leave gaps. Salah’s availability is the key swing.
Lean 2: Both teams to score.
Recent head-to-head meetings have leaned toward goals. Brighton have enough quality to create chances, especially if Liverpool’s build-up gets messy.
Lean 3: Live angle if Brighton start strong.
Brighton can begin quickly. If they create early chances, a better price on Liverpool later may appear.
More Liverpool vs Brighton AI picks
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