Liverpool vs Brighton Today: Kick-off Time, Team News and the Players Who Could Decide the Game

 

Liverpool and Brighton players contest possession during their Premier League meeting at Anfield

Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield today, Saturday 13 December 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT, in a Premier League fixture that underlines the changing dynamics of English football. What was once considered a routine home match for Liverpool has become a demanding test against a Brighton side whose tactical discipline and steady progress have made them one of the league’s most awkward opponents.

The game arrives at a significant moment for Liverpool, who begin the weekend 10th in the Premier League table with 23 points from 15 matches. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, reflected in a record of 24 goals scored and 24 conceded, an unusually balanced but troubling statistic for a club traditionally known for defensive control and relentless pressing. At Anfield, Liverpool have struggled to assert dominance, failing to win several recent home matches and often allowing opponents back into games after taking the lead.

Brighton, meanwhile, arrive in stronger shape, sitting eighth on 23 points, having scored 25 goals and conceded 21. Their campaign has been defined by structure, efficiency and confidence, particularly away from home, where they have recorded impressive results against higher-profile opponents. Brighton have lost only once in their last five away league games, keeping multiple clean sheets during that run and reinforcing their reputation as a well-organised and resilient side.

Liverpool’s recent form has exposed familiar weaknesses. While their attacking play remains capable of moments of quality, they have struggled to control transitions, often leaving space behind a high defensive line. Opponents have taken advantage of these gaps on the counter-attack, an area Brighton are particularly well equipped to exploit. Despite dominating possession in many matches, Liverpool have frequently lacked sharpness in the final third, especially in first halves, placing additional pressure on their defence later in games.

The hosts’ hopes today rest heavily on their key attacking figures. Hugo Ekitike has emerged as Liverpool’s most consistent goal threat this season and is expected to lead the line, using his movement to stretch Brighton’s defence. Dominik Szoboszlai remains central to Liverpool’s creativity, offering both long-range shooting and late runs into the box, while Alexis Mac Allister, facing his former club, is likely to play a pivotal role in midfield and poses a goal threat from distance and set-pieces. If involved, Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s most dangerous finisher, with an outstanding scoring record against Brighton, making him a likely contributor despite uncertainty surrounding his starting role.

Liverpool’s defensive unit will once again be under scrutiny. They have conceded in 11 of their 15 league matches this season, and their inability to manage games after scoring has cost them valuable points. The goalkeeper has been one of their standout performers, often called upon to make decisive saves to keep the team competitive.

Brighton approach the match with confidence rather than caution. Their tactical identity is built on compact midfield play, intelligent pressing and rapid transitions into attack. They are comfortable without the ball and rarely lose shape, forcing opponents into wide areas and limiting clear chances. Despite injury concerns, particularly in defence, Brighton’s system has allowed them to maintain consistency regardless of personnel changes.

In attack, Danny Welbeck is expected to lead the line and remains Brighton’s most reliable scoring option, combining physical presence with intelligent movement. Yankuba Minteh has been one of their standout performers this season, offering pace and directness on the flank and posing a constant threat on the break. Georginio Rutter adds creativity between the lines and has contributed both goals and assists, while Brighton’s midfield runners often arrive late into scoring positions, increasing their unpredictability.

Recent meetings between the two sides suggest goals are likely. Liverpool and Brighton have produced 23 goals across their last six encounters, an average of nearly four per match, highlighting how open these fixtures can become. In their last 10 meetings in all competitions, Liverpool have won four, Brighton three, with three draws, underlining how closely matched the teams have been.

Tactically, the contest is expected to revolve around Liverpool’s desire to dominate possession against Brighton’s efficiency without the ball. Liverpool are likely to push high and attempt to pin Brighton back, but that approach carries risk if possession is lost cheaply. Brighton will look to exploit space in behind, particularly through wide channels, and may target set-pieces, where Liverpool have shown occasional vulnerability.

Set-plays could be decisive at both ends. Liverpool’s aerial strength provides a threat from corners and free-kicks, while Brighton’s organisation has limited opponents’ success in similar situations. Discipline will be crucial, as unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas could swing momentum quickly.

For Liverpool, three points are vital to steady their season and restore belief among supporters at Anfield. Another setback would intensify scrutiny on their form and consistency. For Brighton, a positive result would further validate their progress and strengthen their position in the race for European qualification.

As kick-off approaches, the match stands as a clear illustration of the Premier League’s modern reality. History and reputation may frame the narrative, but today’s outcome at Anfield will be determined by organisation, efficiency and execution. With goals expected at both ends and key attacking players on display, Liverpool versus Brighton promises to be one of the most intriguing fixtures of the weekend.