Liverpool vs Brighton: Could it be an emotional farewell to Mo Salah?
The Egyptian King is back in the squad to face Brighton...
Liverpool now must turn progress into consistency after Tuesday’s massive win over Inter Milan at the San Siro. This Premier League clash against Brighton is a chance for Arne Slot to reinforce the steady hand he’s begun to show after a disastrous few months.
Despite sitting 10th in the table, there are signs of light emerging. Liverpool are unbeaten in four, and the resilience shown midweek in Milan was a nod to the battling spirit fans demand. But that win, impressive as it was, cannot live in isolation. Brighton arrive at Anfield not as a high-pressing, energetic side that could seriously punish Slot’s side.
A defeat here, with murmurs around Xabi Alonso potentially becoming available again, and with Salah’s situation hanging in the air, could push Liverpool right back to square one. There’s a fine line between momentum and mayhem, and this fixture might just decide which side of that line Slot walks into Christmas.
Brighton’s Threat Can’t Be Ignored
Brighton are a fascinating side. Unpredictable, bold in possession, and never shy of a chaotic moment. They rarely park the bus, preferring instead to play through the thirds and take more risks. That bravery has hurt Liverpool in the past, but Slot’s mean seem to relish these type of teams the most this season.
What makes them dangerous isn’t just their style, but their inconsistency. You never quite know which Brighton will turn up. They’ve taken points off strong sides, but also shipped goals in soft fashion. Their away form suggests they’re more at ease away from the pressure of the Amex, and they’ve become a side whose openness can either be a gift or a threat depending on how ruthlessly their opponent capitalises.
Liverpool must be on the front foot, not passive. Brighton’s wide players, particularly Yankubah Minteh, will stretch the pitch and aim to expose any defensive hesitation. With Jeremie Frimpong still out and Connor Bradley suspended, the full-back positions could be areas Brighton look to exploit.
Salah’s Role Must Be Clear, Not Complicated
The Mohamed Salah dilemma casts a long shadow over this fixture. There’s no denying the awkwardness of the current situation, with reports of behind-the-scenes tension and questions about his role under Slot. But this isn’t a time for sentiment or indecision. Salah should play, especially with Gakpo ruled out and doubts hanging over Isak and Chiesa.
He remains Liverpool’s best goal threat. If he is in the squad, he should be on the pitch. Starting him sends a message. Benching him again, particularly after a morale-boosting away win, only adds fuel to speculation. Slot must manage the situation like a title-winning coach, not a man afraid of confrontation.
Whether it’s part of a two-man strike partnership in Slot’s tweaked diamond, or as part of a more traditional front three, Salah has to be involved. However, I’m not so sure that Slot will see it the same way.
With rumours of a January move persisting, could Salah be waving goodbye to the Liverpool faithful for the final time?
Performance at Anfield is Everything Now
Slot can talk about systems and selection all he wants, but ultimately, this match hinges on performance. Against Inter Milan, Liverpool showed bite and belief. The midfield, particularly Curtis Jones and Gravenberch, finally looked in sync, playing forward with intent and aggression.
But Brighton will not gift Liverpool time or space. They press high, win the ball in dangerous areas, and always look to turn possession into punishment. Liverpool’s midfield has to control the game from the off. Florian Wirtz, if he plays, could be key to unlocking a Brighton side that leaves gaps when their boldness overreaches.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike.
Bench: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Lucky, Robertson, Nyoni, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Salah, Isak.
Score Prediction
This is no longer a Liverpool side that can coast on past achievements or historic pedigree. Every point matters. Every dropped point reignites conversations about managerial succession, player unrest, and underachievement. Brighton represent a test of character as much as quality.
Slot has made progress, but it’s fragile. The chaos of the last couple of months hasn’t been forgotten. A win here, though, especially on a weekend where other top-half clubs are likely to drop points, could lift Liverpool significantly up the table. They could go from 10th to the edges of the Champions League places with a single result. But lose, and the headlines write themselves: pressure back on Slot, questions over Salah, and Xabi Alonso could be available.
Liverpool must meet this moment. Beat Brighton, and the Milan win becomes a launchpad. Fail, and the ship could be rocked all over again.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Brighton