FA Cup action takes centre stage this weekend as Liverpool welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield in one of the standout fourth-round fixtures.

Liverpool have dominated recent encounters, winning four of their last five meetings with Brighton across all competitions, though the Reds have a frustrating history in this stage of the FA Cup, being eliminated six times in the last nine fourth-round ties. Since the Premier League era began in 1992, no club has been knocked out at this stage more often than Liverpool (13 times). Last season’s shock defeat to Plymouth Argyle still lingers in the squad’s collective memory.

Brighton arrive in confident form, having won more FA Cup away games since 2022/23 than any other club (seven), and having triumphed in their last three fourth-round ties against Premier League opposition. They famously knocked out Liverpool at this stage in 2023, ending the Reds’ defence of the trophy with a 2-1 victory.

Despite Brighton’s strong cup record, Liverpool’s recent dominance in head-to-heads and the Seagulls’ inconsistent away form – just one win in their last six road games – may temper their confidence. Matches between these sides have tended to be high scoring, with at least one team netting twice in five of their last six meetings, suggesting a goalless draw is unlikely.

This is the seventh FA Cup meeting between Liverpool and Brighton, with both sides having won three previous encounters. Liverpool advanced in 1907/08, 1990/91, and 2011/12, while Brighton triumphed in 1982/83, 1983/84, and 2022/23.

Players to watch include Danny Welbeck for Brighton, while Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz may hold the key to unlocking Brighton’s defence.

Both sides are managing injuries. Liverpool are without Jeremie Frimponger”], Wataru Endo”], Conor Bradley”], Giovanni Leoniitalian footballer”], and ak”,”swedish footballer”], with Dominik Szoboszlai also sidelined due to suspension. Brighton are missing “,”greek footballer”], “,”english footballer”], ly March”,”english footballer”], and Yassin Abbas Ayari”], though Mats Wiefer returns.

Tactical trends indicate Liverpool start matches strongly and tend to score just before halftime, while Brighton are most vulnerable in the final stages of games. If the Seagulls fail to capitalize early, Liverpool’s strengths in the closing minutes may give them the edge in this eagerly anticipated FA Cup clash.